The Big Tour horses completed the Intermediate II tests across the Open and AOR (Amateur Owner Rider) divisions. The Open Intermediate II class, sponsored by Equestrian NSW, showcased high-level performances despite a small field. Sharon Potter secured the top spot with Bradgate Park Amadeus, achieving a score of 68.206%, while Matthew Dowsley finished in second place with Fribaldi, scoring 68.059%.
Sharon Potter and Bradgate Park Amadeus, pictured here competing previously at Bowral, were the Open Inter II winners on Thursday at SIEC. Image by Rodney’s Photography.
“Bradgate Park Amadeus is an inexperienced horse at this level and has been carefully brought on by Sharon with help from Matthew Dowsley,” observed Roger Fitzhardinge. “A good test and a personal best with three wins and two seconds from the judges, all very close being within 3% of each other. No mistakes, and elastic and clear piaffe and passage. This is a combination that will be exciting to see in the Grand Prix, as they haven’t had a start at that level as yet. Sharon is no newcomer to the FEI ranks and showed confident and positive riding to win. She certainly looked every part a winner and what a great up-and-coming Grand Prix horse.”
“Kylie Riddell’s black gelding by stallion Furst Romancier, Fribaldi, showed some very balanced and fluent work, especially in the trot with plenty of 7.5s, but just some green mistakes in the tempi changes cruelled the overall score. Another special horse that is new to this level, with only limited tests at Inter II. Beautiful to say the least, and of course as always, Matthew Dowsley riding with great attention to detail. Fribaldi perhaps just held back a little in the indoor and left some of his best work in the warmup arena. One to watch: as with all Matthews horses, they just get better and better.”
The AOR Intermediate II class, sponsored by Equestrian NSW, saw Emily James claim the win riding Platypus Run Firenz to a score of 65.441%.
Open Novice
Among the highlights on Thursday was the Open Novice 2.2 class, sponsored by Commins Hendricks Solicitors, where Robbie Mckinnon delivered a standout performance aboard Divine 18, achieving an impressive score of 78.516% to secure first place. Deon Stokes followed closely with a commendable 72.891% on Karizmah Bel Air, while Katina Smith rounded out the top three with a score of 71.563% on BC Memphis.
In the Open Novice 2.3 class, sponsored by Commins Hendricks Solicitors, Robbie and Divine 18 produced another winning test with a score of 78.357%. Harvey Besley followed in second place with Borderview Sapporo, earning a solid 71.143%, while Katina Smith once again secured third place with BC Memphis, achieving a score of 70.500%.
Robbie and Divine 18 were crowned the Open Novice Champions, with Katina and BC Memphis the Reserve Champions.
“What a champion!” enthuses Roger of Divine 18. “A wonderfully accepting character for both tests and so well trained. He was imported for owner Steph McDonald from Victoria. Divine 18 is by Davenport and so wonderfully ridden here by Robbie. He is bold and black and beautiful and such a willing and attentive gelding.”
“Robbie and Divine scored 78.357%, including an 80%+ in the 2.3, and 78.516% and also including an 80%+ in the 2.2. This combination was nearly 10% higher than the rest of the field!”
“It is interesting to note that the general feeling amongst riders, coaches and dressage followers was that there is no question that this horse absolutely deserved the 80% scores… but the rest of the field was definitely not so far in % behind. The Novice tests were full of beautiful horses. The quality of the paces was outstanding. The way these tests were ridden, and the presentation of the horses, were exceptional. It was probably the best plethora of Novice horses seen at a NSW Championship. Why only four horses over 70%? There is no question that there are good horses, better than ever before, yet the percentages seem to be getting lower. It’s Novice; it’s young potential! From the outside looking in, it appears that Australia only has a few capable of over 70%, but this is not true. What we saw Thursday showed moments worthy of plenty of 8s and 9s, but the results don’t show that.”
The Open Novice 2.3 presentations on Thursday, L-R: Robbie Mckinnon, Harvey Besley, Katina Smith, Rachael Clarke, David Mckinnon, and Deon Stokes. Image by Roger Fitzhardinge.
Open Medium
The Open Medium 4.2 class, sponsored by Ainsley Park, showcased some exceptional rides. Deon Stokes produced a great test aboard Axel DC to win with a notable score of 72.635%. Robbie Mckinnon continued her success, following closely in second place with QS Sierra, scoring 70.878%. Brett Parbery rounded out the top three with Cooramin Despacito, achieving a score of 68.311%.
In the Open Medium 4.3 class, sponsored by Ainsley Park, Brett took first place with Cooramin Despacito, earning a score of 72.115%. Rodney Martin followed in second place with Don Pikado, who scored 71.026%, and Brett also secured third place with WPH Stormchaser, achieving a score of 70.256%.
“The Medium tests had some very classy riders to say the least! Robbie Mckinnon, Deon Stokes, Ben Thompson (all the way from Victoria), Rodney Martin, Harvey Besley (travelling from Queensland), Sally Rizzuto, Brett Parbery, and Caitlin Scott to mention but a few,” says Roger.
“Probably the rider that was in the wings was Jake Parbery. As the youngest rider in the Open class, he showed well on the previously campaigned Grand Prix horse of Katina Smith’s, the great little bay gelding Just Dance. There was plenty of talent here in the Medium!”
Brett and Cooramin Despacito were named Open Medium Champions, with Deon and Axel DC the Reserve Champions.
Rodney Martin and Don Pikado finished second in the Open Medium 4.3 on Thursday at SIEC. Image by Roger Fitzhardinge.
Para Equestrian
In Thursday’s Para Equestrian classes, Amylie Hines won the Grade III Grand Prix A on 61.167% riding EA Exquisite; Georgina Bills won the Grade V Grand Prix A with Chapplehurst Wynter on 66.410%; and Heidi Ford won the Grade V Intermediate A with Rikaardt H on 66.161%.
“We are so looking forward to the Para Dressage team competing at the Paris Paralympics next week… and look out here for medals. Totally on the cards!” enthuses Roger.
Competition continues today and concludes Sunday, 1 September.
Full results from the 2024 Regency Floats NSW Dressage Championships can be found here.
