Cox Architecture Grand Prix Freestyle Champion Mary Hanna & Syriana 78.385%

© Amy-Sue Alston

By Equestrian Life

Rain may have fallen on day 3 of Dressage by the Sea, Event 1, but nothing could dampen the spirits of riders, grooms, staff, officials or spectators at Willinga Park. With entertaining Freestyle classes, Young Horse classes and more, it was the perfect conclusion to the first event which left everyone wanting more! Fortunately, the wait will soon be over – Event 2 starts on Friday!

In the Grand Prix Freestyle class, Mary Hanna repeated day 2’s success, winning the class with Syriana. The pair danced together with harmony and expression, producing an amazing score of 78.385% which saw them finish clear winners ahead of second placed John Thompson, riding the striking stallion JHT Chemistry to score 73.785%. Michelle Baker finished third riding Bradgate Park Puccini on 72.770%, while Rozzie Ryan finished 4th on 72.290%.

Bay Coast Roofing Grand Prix under 25 Freestyle winner Jessica Dertell & Zanzibar 69.040%, pictured with Mum Kate Dertell & Zanzibar's owner Sam Thomas

© Amy-Sue Alston

Jessica Dertell had plenty to smile about, after an extremely successful show with her team of upcoming horses - there's no doubt that Australian dressage fans will be seeing a lot more of this young talent in the years to come. She capped off the event with a win on 69.040% in the Bay Coast Roofing Under 25 Grand Prix Freestyle, ahead of Claire Plenty riding Queensland on 67.560% and Lewis Newton riding DS Burlington Bertie on 63.005%.

Pryde's Easifeed Medium Tour Freestyle winner Breanna Tillitzki & Fursten Hit 68.325%

© Amy-Sue Alston

Breanna Tillitzki from New South Wales enjoyed her first win of the event on Monday, taking out the Pryde's Easifeed Medium Tour Freestyle with Fursten Hit on a score of 68.325% ahead of the consistent pairing of Linda Foster and Neversfelde Samiro, who scored 66.730%. Julie Bland placed third riding Jordan, scoring 64.305%.

Kelato Animal Health Intermediate Freestyle winner Nicole Tough & Ferragamo 72.645%

© Amy-Sue Alston

Queenslander Nicole Tough was understandably delighted with Ferragamo after a dream run at Dressage by the Sea, Event 1. Three classes for three wins, this is a combination to watch as they continue their journey towards Grand Prix. On Monday they won the Kelato Animal Health Intermediate Freestyle scoring 72.645%, just ahead of Jemma Heran and Total Recall on 72.305% and Caroline Wagner with her exciting new horse Penny Hill Park Sophia on 71.145%.

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Advanced Freestyle Winners Serena Ireland and Royalty R scored 71.875%

© Simon Scully

Serena Ireland and Royalty R have had a great show, it was their turn to take the win on Monday after a stunning performance in the Advanced Freestyle which scored 71.875%. Young rider Layla Williams placed 2nd riding Ampersand on a score of 70.958%, while the consistent pairing of Nina Boyd and Benicia finished 3rd on 70.025%. 

Advanced 5B winners Jayden Brown and Quincy B scored 77.297%

© Simon Scully

Jayden Brown has had a sensational show; Willinga Park's resident dressage rider seems to bring the best out in every horse he rides with his empathetic, calm and accurate riding style. His wins on Monday riding the beautifully bred, conditioned and trained Willinga Park horses included 1st in the Advanced 5B with Quincy B on 77.297%, and victory in the 6 Year Old Young Horse class riding the up coming stallion WillingaPark Fangio on a wonderful score of 80.00%.

 Jayden Brown and  'Willinga Park Fangio' score 80.00% to win the 6yo horse class

© Stephen Mowbray

The Young Horse classes were a wonderful opportunity to see some of the upcoming, talented horses for the future. John Thompson and Aber Fontaine MI placed first in the 5-year-old class with a score of 79.40% - an exciting score for an exciting horse.

John Thompson and Aber Fontaine MI place first in the 5-year-old class with a score of 79.40%

© Stephen Mowbray Photography

Shannan Connell has a new superstar in the making - Ashwood's Palladyn, with whom she won the 4-Year-Old class on a score of 74.60%. Could this be her next Aristede?

Shannan Connell and Ashwood's Palladyn score 74.60% to win the 4-year-old class

© Stephen Mowbray Photography

As the curtains closed on Event 1, we now look forward to Dressage by the Sea Event 2, which runs from Friday 26th - Sunday 28th February. Equestrian Life, in conjunction with Willinga Park will be live streaming select classes during the event, and we look forwared to sharing the live streaming schedule soon. Stay tuned!

Full results from the event can be found here. 

Day 1 report can be found here.

Day 2 report can be found here.

You can find out more about the event here.

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