Lisa Martin and Vilaggio won the CPEDI3* Grade V Grand Prix A. Image: One Eyed Frog Photography.

Paris qualifying scores on day one of the Leader Equine Dressage Spectacular CPEDI

By Equestrian Life

Friday saw the beginning of the penultimate Australian Paralympic qualifier, held as part of the Leader Equine Dressage Spectacular. Run by the tireless Jade Woodhed-Butler and her amazing team at Carlton Performance Horses, it was fabulous to once again have our para riders front and centre at Boneo Park on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula.

Like the previous Paris qualifier at Willinga Park in February, there were more Paralympic qualifying scores achieved today for multiple combinations.

The day began with low cloud and misty rain that was heavy at times – especially for the first CPEDI3* riders in the Grade III Grand Prix A. Amylie Hines and EA Exquisite scored 65.889% to win the class, just ahead of Felicity Weal and Bloomfield Shameless on 61.5%.

The weather began to slowly clear throughout the CPEDI3* Grade II Grand Prix A, with sunshine peeking through the clouds by midway through the class. It was Tokyo Paralympian Victoria Davies who won the test with Celere, scoring 67.701%, while second place went to Bridget Murphy and Penmain Promise on 67.299%. Both combinations recorded PBs, as well as qualifying scores for Paris.

Among other considerations, part of the nomination criteria for Australian team selection for the 2024 Paris Paralympics requires combinations to receive an overall percentage score of 67% or above in a Grand Prix Test A or B in at least two CPEDI 3* events between 1 October 2023 and 19 June 2024.

In the CPEDI3* Grade I Grand Prix A, Stella Barton enjoyed another win with Lord Larmarque on 67.847%; while it was not as high as some of their previous scores, it was nevertheless another Paris qualifying score on the board!

In the CPEDI3* Grade IV Grand Prix A, 2022 FEI World Championship competitor Dianne Barnes and mare Sorena won the class with an impressive score of 70%. Second and third places saw two further qualifying scores achieved, with Zoe Vorenas and Wis Forte receiving 68.981%, and Louise Duncan riding Showcause receiving 67.454%.

Dianne Barnes and Sorena won the CPEDI3* Grade IV Grand Prix A. Di also joined the Equestrian Life commentary box today for our live stream! Image: One Eyed Frog Photography.

In the final Paralympic qualifier of the day, Lisa Martin and Vilaggio achieved a PB score of 71.367% to win the CPEDI3* Grade V Grand Prix A. It was an amazing result for this very new combination who only had their first outing together at Willinga Park CPEDIA, and certainly an exciting qualifying score. Lisa also secured second with her 2022 FEI World Championship horse Juicy Wiggle on 71.025% for another qualifying score.

Virtus riders in action

Prior to the CPEDI3* classes, the morning kicked off with the Virtus II2 test, won by Suit Watts and Gem Park Guess on 64.405%. In the afternoon, the Virtus II3 and II1 classes were held, with Jodin Bell and Let’s Jazz It Up (51.75%) and Sarah Sherwood on Dicavalli Royal Guess (66.25%) the respective winners.

The event also hosted CPEDI2* classes for up-and-coming combinations. In the morning, the CPEDI2* Grade III Inter A went to Ella Newbery and Cayuse Balou on 65.317%; the CPEDI2* Grade II Inter A went to Rebecca Webber and Glenayre Skyline with 65.088%; and the CPEDI2* Grade I Inter A went to Kellie Tinworth and Augustine KT on 57.396%. Later in the day, Darcy MacAulay won the CPEDI2* Grade IV Inter A on 68.2%, while the CPEDI2* Grade V Inter A went to Claire Skerman and Regal Quickstep on 62.976%.

Among other classes, the Leader Equine Dressage Spectacular also hosted a CDI1* Prix St Georges and CDI-Ch Childrens competition. The PSG went to Dallas Mills and Redwood Desire on 66.519%, while the CDI-Ch Preliminary A went to Amelia Maree and Sunny Morning R on 72.625%.

Full results can be found via Equestrian Hub.

Competition continues today and tomorrow.

Re-watch today’s live stream here.

View Saturday’s live stream timetable and find out how to tune in here.

Published 12 April 2024.

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