Jaybee Alabaster and Rachael Downs. Image: Roger Fitzhardinge.
Vale Jaybee Alabaster
By Equestrian Life
Star Australian dressage horse Jaybee Alabaster has passed away just short of his 25th birthday.
‘Basti’ was born on Australian soil in 1999 after his dam, Gloria (Glorieux), was purchased in-foal and imported from Germany by Queenslanders John and Bev Edwards. He was by the Hanoverian stallion Alabaster 29.
With Tor van der Berg in the saddle, Basti began his ridden career as a stallion and was the 5YO Young Horse Champion at the Sydney CDI in 2003 and also crowned Champion of Champions later that year at Dressage with the Stars. In 2004, Tor and Basti travelled to Europe and represented Australia at the World Young Horse Championships in Verden, Germany.
Basti began his FEI Big Tour career with Rachael Downs (at the time, Rachael Sanna) in 2008, and the pair went on to record several CDI wins. Together they competed for Australia at the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Kentucky and then in 2012 they qualified for and competed at the World Cup Final in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands.
Jaybee Alabaster and Rachael Downs with the Aussie team at the 2010 WEG in Kentucky. Image: Roger Fitzhardinge.
Jaybee Alabaster and Rachael Downs at the 2010 WEG in Kentucky. Image: Roger Fitzhardinge.
Basti’s groom during his time with Rachael was Helen Bray. Helen looked after his every want and was totally dedicated to his wellbeing – never has a horse been so immaculately looked after mentally and physically. He was a horse with opinions for sure, but Helen and Basti respected each other. It was her care and dedication throughout his career with Rachael that helped him to become the brilliant horse he was.
Helen Bray in Kentucky, 2010. Helen was Basti’s groom during his career with Rachael. Image: Roger Fitzhardinge.
While in Europe for the World Cup, Rachael and Basti were set to take part in the final qualifiers for the London Olympic Games but unfortunately had to withdraw from contention in the final stages of selection due to a minor injury.
From there, Aussie Hayley Beresford then took over the reins in mid-2012, and Basti remained in Germany. Hayley became a part-owner of the horse alongside Bev and continued on with him at FEI level until 2015. They enjoyed great success together at some of the big CDIs in Europe before retirement beckoned. Basti lived a well-deserved life of luxury in retirement.
Hayley announced Basti’s passing via social media on 11 January: “RIP Basti Boo. It’s been a privilege.”
A fabulous horse for Australian dressage, rest in peace Jaybee Alabaster.
Published 12 January 2024.
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