New Zealand’s Monica Spencer and her Thoroughbred gelding, Artist, remain in pole position after producing a confident and fast round across Pierre Le Goupil’s challenging cross-country course at the 2025 MARS Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill. Meanwhile, Australia’s Sophia Hill and Humble Glory delivered the fastest round of the day, catapulting up the leaderboard ahead of Sunday’s decisive show jumping phase.
The second day of the Australian Dressage Championships at Sydney International Equestrian Centre delivered the full spectrum of emotion — excitement, tension, and deep reflection on the current state of Grand Prix dressage in this country. While not the largest field in recent memory, it was one rich in class and international promise.
New Zealand’s Monica Spencer and Artist lead after the dressage phase at Maryland 5 Star, scoring 23.7 ahead of USA’s Caroline Pamukcu with HSH Blake (28.2) and Switzerland's Felix Vogg with Cartania (28.3). Australia’s Sophia Hill holds 20th with Humble Glory ahead of Saturday's cross country.
After the first day of dressage at the MARS Maryland 5*, Boyd Martin leads the CCI5*-L on Luke 140 with a score of 31.0, followed closely by Caroline Pamukcu on She's the One (31.4) and Jennie Brannigan with FE Lifestyle (32.8). Australia's Sophia Hill and Humble Glory are set to lead off round two of dressage today.
Day one of the Australian Dressage Championships opened with determination and polish. Despite challenging weather and smaller fields than in previous years, the standard of performance and professionalism shone through. From the young horse classes to the upper levels, there was a sense of progress and pride evident across the arenas.
The years seem to roll by faster than ever, and it's once again time for the Australian Dressage Champions, held this year at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre, from Thursday, 16 October to Sunday, 19 October.