Wendi Williamson and Don Vito MH. Image by Roger Fitzhardinge.

NZ’s Wendi Williamson & Don Vito MH claim Sydney CDI3* Grand Prix

By Equestrian Life

Thursday saw day two of the 2024 Sydney CDI take place, and the CDI3* horses were out in force for the much-anticipated Grand Prix with a big field of 17 combinations entered.

While this year several familiar faces were missing – in particular Mary Hanna and Jessica Dertell, who are in France preparing for the CDIO5* Nations Cup alongside Lyndal Oatley this weekend – it was nevertheless a terrific class.

This year saw another New Zealand victory, with Wendi Williamson and Don Vito MH winning the class on 71.065%. The pair were second in the CDI3* Grand Prix on a score of 70.435% last year behind compatriots Melissa Galloway and Windermere J’Obei W, who were recently in Saudi Arabia for the FEI World Cup Final.

Second behind Wendi and Don Vito today was David McKinnon riding Carol Oatley’s Forlan, scoring 70.63%. Alinta Veenvliet and D’Esperanza finished third on 67.674%, with David also claiming fourth riding Estupendo on 65.891%. Sue Hearn and Eminent rounded out the top five on 64.609%.

David McKinnon riding Carol Oatley’s Forlan, second in the CDI Grand Prix. Image Roger Fitzhardinge.

A successful day for Alison Gill’s pony power

In the CDN Grand Prix, it was Wendy Lorincz’s pony Hilkens Denali who beat 13 horses with a score of 66.594% for Alison Gill. The pair have been solid at Grand Prix for some time now and consistently challenging the Warmbloods for the top placings.

Alison had a successful day, also winning three young pony classes. With Jan Smith’s Miss Moneypenny PP she won the 6YO Young Dressage Pony (Round 1) on 74.6%, before partnering with Glenhill Divine Classic (the 2024 DJWTS Champion of Champions Young Dressage Pony) to claim the 4YO Young Dressage Pony (Round 1) with 79.6%. ‘Peach’ is owned by Christan Trainor of Glenhill Sporthorses. Alison and Christan also won the 5YO Young Dressage Pony (Round 1) with Glenhill Mr Hollywood on 73.6% (who was the 5YO Champion Young Pony at DJWTS this year).

Small & Medium Tour horses shine

The Small Tour horses were in action for the CDI1* and CDN Prix St Georges classes.

Matthew Dowsley and Fribaldi claimed the CDI1* PSG with a PB of 72.853%, just ahead of Robbie McKinnon and SPH Fortino on a PB of 71.882%. Matthew also claimed third spot with TS Firestorm on 71.265%.

Matthew Dowsley and Fribaldi, winners of the CDI PSG. Image Roger Fitzhardinge. 

The CDN PSG was won by Susan Elekessy and Callum Park Damascus on 70.686%, from Sharon McKimmie and Jaybee Ali on 70.294%. Just behind them was New Star LP for Riley Alexander, scoring 69.069%. New Star is another Glenhill horse, owned by Christan Trainor.

The CDN Inter A went to Emma Flavelle-Watts and Scarlatti Mio VSR on 71.519%, in a class of 14 – quite big for the Medium Tour! Victoria Luxford was second on 69.314% riding Revelwood Animation, while Serena Ireland and Royalty R were third on 69.167%.

Young horses, young riders

In addition to the Young Pony classes where Alison Gill took a clean sweep, today also saw Round 1 of the Young Horse competition take place.

Springside Marconi, ridden by Shanon McKimmie, won the 4YO Young Dressage Horse class, scoring 81.6%, while the 5YO Young Dressage Horse went to Alexandra Vodermair and Exact on 81%.

The 6YO Young Dressage Horse went to Cooramin Despacito on 79% for Brett Parbery, and the 7YO Young Dressage Horse was won by Hollands Bend For Amour on 77.492% with Robbie McKinnon in the saddle.

The young riders were in action in the CDI-Y Team Test, with Olivia Gillespie and Amsterdam claiming victory on 66.618%. In the Juniors, the CDI-J Team Test saw a win for Maddie Vallender and Rubinell with a score of 69.545%. CDI-U25 Inter II was won by Lexy Stansfield and BC Romanov on a PB of 65.030%, with Maddie second in this class riding Ronan R to a PB of 64.882%.

Wednesday’s action

The Sydney CDI of course kicked off on Wednesday with the Advanced Championship, as well as the first of the Big Tour classes – the CDN Inter II.

In the Advanced 5.2, Robbie McKinnon and her horse SPH Fortino claimed the top spot with an impressive score of 74.210%. Following closely behind was Katina Smith riding BC Chilli Pepper, securing second place with a score of 70.745%. Serena Ireland and Tjibbe B delivered a strong performance, earning them third place with a score of 69.474%. Gordon Pratt and Aberdare MI showcased their skills to secure fourth place with a score of 67.982%, while Eliza Mylon and Confusius SDM rounded off the top five with a score of 67.588%.

Robbie and SPH Fortino claimed the top placing again in the 5.3 with an outstanding score of 72.478%. Serena Ireland followed closely behind in second place aboard Tjibbe B, scoring a commendable 68.108%. Gordon Pratt clinched the third spot riding Aberdare MI, showcasing finesse and precision with a score of 65.856%. Katina Smith and Eliza Mylon rounded out the top five, riding BC Chilli Pepper and Confusius SDM, respectively, with scores of 65.721% and 65.225%.

The Advanced Championship of course went to Robbie and SPH Fortino, with Serena Ireland and Tjibbe B named the reserves.

In the CDN Inter II competition, Justine Greer emerged as the top performer riding Fonzie II, securing the first position with an impressive score of 68.618%. Alison Gill closely followed in second place aboard Hilkens Denali, demonstrating great mastery of the Big Tour movements with a score of 67.706%. Emily James claimed the third spot riding Platypus Run Firenz with a score of 67.324%. Lisel Dingley secured the fourth position riding Carousel Oasis with a score of 66.117%, while Matthew Lord rounded out the top five riding Immenhof Scout, scoring 65.912%.

Full results can be found here.

Published 2 May 2024.

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