Top score for Jayden Brown and Quincy B in Brisbane

The second day of competition at The Saddlefitter Brisbane CDI on Friday brought yet another hot and humid Queensland morning, testing both horses and riders.

Grand Prix brilliance from Jayden Brown and WillingaPark Quincy B

The marquee event of any CDI, the CDI3* Grand Prix drew spectators eager to see Australia’s best combinations at their peak. At Brisbane, the spotlight belonged to Jayden Brown riding WillingaPark Quincy B, who delivered a performance of international standard.

Their test scored an outstanding 73.391%, which appears to be the highest CDI Grand Prix score achieved at a CDI on Australian soil to date. It was certainly a PB for the pair. The powerful gelding, owned by Ginette Snow of Willinga Park, demonstrated the polish and precision that comes from years of careful development. He represented Australia at the Paris Olympics for his late owner, Terry Snow, who was so delighted to see his dream of owning a horse that represented Australia internationally. A dream come true for the Terry and for Jayden, who had several Willinga horses in England training with Carl Hester under the Willinga Park banner.

The test itself was a masterclass in control and expression. Every movement was executed with clarity and confidence, and notably, the pair produced a mistake-free performance — something every Grand Prix rider wants to do. The seamless flow between movements, combined with Quincy’s presence and power, held the crowd’s attention from the first halt to the final salute.

Some of the credit lies in the training foundations built during Jayden’s time in the UK, where he trained under the expert guidance of Carl Hester. That international influence shone through in the balance, consistency, and polish displayed here in Brisbane, a home town venue and crowd for Jayden, confirming both horse and rider as leading lights in Australia’s push towards greater international competitiveness.

This was not just a win, but a statement: Jayden Brown and WillingaPark Quincy B have set a new benchmark for Australian Grand Prix dressage.

Second place went to Jayden riding D’Esperanza on 69.891%, while John Thompson and MSJ Gatsby finished third on 68.130%.

Jayden Brown and WillingaPark Quincy B. Image by Roger Fitzhardinge.

Jayden Brown and D’Esperanza. Image by Roger Fitzhardinge.

CDN Grand Prix

The CDN Grand Prix saw an experienced and stylish win from Mary Hanna riding CJ Park Sir Dragonfire, with the pair scoring 67.978%, including a 70% from international judge Eduard De Wolff Van Westerrode. This elegant and athletic gelding, by Sir Donnerhall II, impressed with his rhythm, regularity, and mistake-free execution.

Mary’s ringcraft and ability to present the horse’s best qualities shone through, with highlights in the trot tour, and clean, expressive changes. His trot work was particularly eye-catching, soft to the ground yet forward and expressive, earning deservedly high marks. The piaffe show good technique but at the moment modest, however the gelding looks confident and happy in the work

Behind the winning combination, Jayden Brown took second on 64.239% with Legendary, a bay gelding that is expressive but at times a little against the rider’s aids. He has great talent and the test had plenty of big moments and a few not so! A work in progress and seems to be getting better at every outing. Denise Rogan produced a polished test on the striking Greco to secure third.

What makes Dragonfire’s performance especially exciting is his stage of development — this was only his third Grand Prix start, yet he already delivered a test of international calibre. With the consistency he’s showing in Brisbane, and the type and quality he brings into the arena, he looks every inch a future star of Australian dressage.

CDN Intermediate B

The Open CDN Intermediate B saw another win to Matthew Lord and Remi Vigneron, continuing their winning form after earlier success. A score of 68.243% secured victory by nearly two percentage points, underlining the quality of this elegant stallion.

Remi Vigneron is a strikingly handsome horse who always catches the eye with his presence. With the sudden onset of spring weather, he showed the natural exuberance and distraction typical of stallions, yet Matthew’s riding ensured a smooth and composed performance.

The test revealed much to be excited about: while further strength is still developing in the piaffe and passage, the talent and mechanics are clear. With time and training, this horse looks every bit a future Grand Prix contender. His super outline and natural elegance make him one to watch for the future

The AOR Intermediate B was won by Georgie Cham and Immenhof Scout, with Georgie also working hard throughout the event as Equestrian Life and ClipMyHorse.TV’s livestream commentator alongside Gary Lung.

CDN Intermediate I

The Open CDN Intermediate I also delivered some outstanding performances. Robyn Smith, riding Lord Larry, produced a smooth, mistake-free test that flowed seamlessly from start to finish, earning a winning score of 68.618%.

In second, Jayden Brown rode Leopold in his first attempt at this level, marking an impressive debut that included one judge’s score of 70.882%, a testament to the pair’s potential.

Third place went to Phoebe Morley on Ellenbrae Jeniro with 67.559%, followed closely by Emma Weinert on Bloomfield Valan in fourth. John Thompson on Aston MI completed the top five.

What made this class particularly exciting was the quality of the field. Many of these horses are still relatively new to this level, making the performances all the more promising. With such strong foundations, these combinations are ones to watch as they progress towards Medium Tour and eventually Grand Prix competition.

The AOR Intermediate I went to Kayla Webb riding Kenlock Indian Sky on 64.441%, while the Pony division was won by Jacqueline Huppert and Cognac Diamon on 67.265%.

CDI-Pony Team Test

The consistent pair of Reitland’s Obama and Abby Weel once again proved why they are among the best CDI-Pony combinations in Australia. Despite a momentary spook at the judge at H, the test was full of quality, particularly in the medium trot and overall balance. The judge at M rewarded the pair with 68.857%, though the overall average settled at 66.048%. Even with a fairly major distraction, it was a clear and polished test that secured them yet another win.

Second place went to Matia Hopwood and Clare Downs Arian Lledrith on 64.380%. Matia presented a very willing and workmanlike pony who gave an honest performance. While the test was perhaps a little lacking in roundness and expression in moments, the overall impression was one of correctness and cooperation.

In third place was Isabella Anderson and Boronia Applause on 63.520%. Isabella rode her well-prepared black gelding into third place, producing a tidy performance. The judges noted the need for greater collection and cadence to truly lift the paces, but it was nonetheless a promising, accurate round from the young rider.

Abby Weel and Reitland’s Obama. Image by Roger Fitzhardinge.

CDI-Junior Team Test

The CDI-Junior Team Test brought forward a standout new combination with Abby Weel riding her recently imported Atterupgaards Franz, by the highly regarded stallion Franziskus FRH. This was Abby’s first CDI test on the gelding, and he impressed with his elegance, natural balance, and powerful yet fluent way of going. His presence in the arena drew the eye, and Abby produced a confident, harmonious performance hot on the heels of her CDI-P Team Test win.

Abby was rewarded with an overall score of 68.030%, though the judging was notably split — two judges placed her first, while another had her fifth out of seven starters, a reminder of the sometimes puzzling variances in interpretation. When you think of losing marks, Franz decided it was a rest room break just before a flying change worth 10 marks!

Zali Mills on Royal Diamond Jubilee from the Dertell stables secured second place with 67.626%, showing polish and composure on the beautiful brown gelding. Not far behind, Tia Mckenzie and Phenomenon earned 67.475%, presenting a highly professional test highlighted by expressive trot work, though the canter lacked a little collection. Despite the relatively small field of seven, the standard was exceptionally high, making this a fiercely contested class.

Abby’s growing presence is turning heads not only in New South Wales but now also at the Brisbane CDI, underlining her rapid rise through the ranks.

Novice

Matthew Lord and Remi Stud enjoyed further success in the Novice Championship, where Matthew piloted Remi Braveheart to outstanding scores of 75.078% in the 2.2 and 73.5% in the 2.3. These results crowned them Open Novice Champions. Emma Flavelle-Watts and Belrock Delilah claimed Reserve Champion, also putting forward strong and consistent performances across the tests.

The Remi Stud breeding program has proven again why it stands as one of the most influential in Australia. With a string of successful horses competing at State and National level, their consistency is evident.

The dual success of Remi Vigneron in the Medium Tour and Remi Braveheart in the Novice Championship at this event adds to their long list of achievements. This latest chapter reinforces the Remi name as a powerhouse in Australian sport horse breeding.

In the AOR Novice, Vanessa Brown and Atalantis were crowned Champions, ahead of Holly McDonald-Smith and Remi Voodoo Magic. In the Pony division, the Championship went to Danielle Keogh and Gomez S and the Reserve Champion went to Shae Herwig riding Jasheeka Party Express.