Olivia Shore and Dreamcatcher lead MI3DE CCI4*L

The Pryde’s EasiFeed CCI4* was the final class to complete the dressage phase this afternoon, with a small but competitive field of 11 riders.

Olivia Shore and her own OTT ‘Dreamcatcher’ are holding the lead headed into the cross country. “He tried really hard for me today and really held it together in that atmosphere, I couldn’t be happier with him,” says Olivia.

Speaking on the Ewan Kellett designed course: “It’s a challenge but looks really great and we’ll give it our best, I’m excited.”

Second place is filled by Sam Woods and ‘SS Eight Count’ followed very closely by Hannah Klep and ‘Tulara Chicouve’ who are only 0.6 penalties behind.

“He was calm and rideable throughout. Two of my halts weren’t perfect but I was really happy with him,” she says. Hannah has been working closely with coach Susan Elekessey for the past 18 months and it is delivering fantastic results: “She’s made a huge difference in our scores and relaxation.”

Werribee is currently raining and looks like it will for the rest of the night. Hannah admits, “I don’t love the sound of the forecast, but we’re going to go out there and give it a red-hot go.”

Rain is definitely needed, but fingers crossed for a pause in the downpour for a day or two, so riders and spectators alike can enjoy the cross country action tomorrow, with the first horse leaving the start box at 8.30am in the CCI1*L.

Niki Rose and the beautiful ‘Cooley All Over’ lead the CCI2*L. Image by Click Capture.

Niki Rose and ‘Cooley All Over’ lead the Off The Track CCI2*L

The CCI2*L saw seven combinations complete their tests yesterday, with the remaining 38 taking to the sand today.

Niki Rose and the beautiful ‘Cooley All Over’ shot to the top of the leader board, a placing they’ve held often throughout the season. “He’s a very beautiful horse and very nice mover so should do well in the dressage if I ride him well,” she says.

With such a solid lead up to MI3DE, Niki is looking forward to tomorrow’s cross country, which has “some tough lines and narrow fences; he’ll definitely have to be listening and on the job, but hopefully if I ride well, he’ll jump them all well too.”

Second place is occupied by Stephanie Commens aboard her mare ‘Belcam CD’ who has travelled the 1600 kilometres from Queensland very well, and she says although it wasn’t her best test, she’s happy. “I’m really happy her, especially to be in the mix with so many professional riders.” Stephanie is looking forward to tomorrow and crossing her fingers “it isn’t too wet and cold.”

Tasmanian Georgia Elias and ‘Incline Park Remembrance’ and Victorian Chelsea Priestly and ‘Southern Sandro Stern’ round out the top three on an equal score of 30.6 in the CCI2*L.

France’s Marlene Battedou and ‘Le grand d Amour’ lead the Off the Track CCN1*L for OTTs

France is represented at MI3DE by Marlene Battedou and ‘Le grand d Amour’ in the CCN1*L for OTT horses. “I’m really happy with him, he’s been really consistent the last 6 months and has proven that he really enjoys his second life as an eventer now, he’s beautiful to ride on the flat.”

The 17.2hh “gentle, gentle giant” was always a favourite of Marlene’s when she rode him during his racing life for a local trainer, so when he was too slow on the track she said “can I have him please?”

Marlene was headed for her fourth cross country walk this afternoon, with the course looking better each time she saw it. “There are a few tricky lines, but I’m confident that he is brave enough; he is so bold cross country and it’s a lovely feeling to have a horse that can do all three disciplines and well enough. It’s been a great journey so far.”

Marlene leads Victorians Imogen Bergin riding ‘Prince Alfred’ and Stephanie Rowe on ‘Palatial Rock’ in second and third places, respectively.

Catch up on Friday’s dressage results here.