One of the most outstanding performances of the day came from Bradgate Park Delaney, ridden by Matthew Dowsley in the Open Advanced classes. This exceptional pair scored 72.763% in the 5.2 and 73.446% in the 5.3, impressive feats considering it was Delaney’s first ever attempt at an Advanced test and only her third ever competition!
The stylish black mare by De Niro displays three good basic paces, with an ability to collect and carry herself. This, paired with an exceptional work ethic, means she makes the test look comfortable and at ease. Matthew, as always, was a master at presenting a beautifully polished and technically sound test. Judges were presented with a picture of accurate flexions, precise preparation into each movement, and a performance free of mistakes. It was no surprise to see Bradgate Park Delaney named Champion Open Advanced Horse.
Another particularly exciting combination on the rise is BB Niccolo, a beautiful, expressive chestnut by Benicio, expertly piloted by Rebecca Rook in the Open Advanced tests to be named the Reserve Champion. This is an athletic and impressive horse, and in just a few more competitions, with a calmer mindset and more exposure, it will be a real force to be reckoned with. Rebecca is bringing out the best in this horse, as shown by their score of 72.298% for second in the 5.3 – no small feat despite interesting marks for some movements that may have seemed unreal!
Riley Alexander and the black horse Glenhill Vivid also impressed in the Open Advanced (second in the 5.2 on 69.605% and fifth in the 5.3 on 68.176%). This power packed and expressive combination have all the activity in the world and it’s now really starting to come back to earth and the work shown is becoming more supple and expressive.
Who would ever think at this level that less is more. Riley does and isn’t that a problem…. not! This mare has all the pizazz, and when they reach the FEI heights this will work to their advantage but just at this transitionary phase working to Grand Prix the expression and willingness to work creates a few suppleness issues and the fluency at times interrupted, but what a horse and the higher the level the better this combination will perform!
Those who shone in the highly competitive AOR Advanced were Karen Pet on Abba Fontaine MI and Sarah Hanslow on Let’s Showtime. Both riders scored a first and second each across the two Advanced tests, with Karen narrowly clinching the championship and Sarah finishing runner-up.
Matthew Dowsley’s partner, Rodney Martin, also impressed with the stylish black gelding by Escamillo, Emillio, owned by Sharon and John Potter. This combination produced two elegant and expressive Elementary tests: 69.125% in the Open 3.2, winning by 3% and 69.939% to then narrowly win the Open 3.3. While Emillio has limited competition experience, his performances were flowing, rhythmic, and gave the impression of ease. Despite the quality of the ride of Rodney, the marks awarded did not really reflect the performance presented.
Rachael Clarke was another to impress in the Elementary classes, riding her big-moving gelding Tarcoola Secret Stash to second overall in the Elementary 3.2. However, a wide disparity in scores was seen: one judge had her second, while another had her 13th.
While it’s understood that judges are positioned at different vantage points and may see different things, these large discrepancies in placings raise valid questions.
Rachael’s second ride, the striking mare Tarcoola Adelina Gold, by Amicelli Gold, was another highlight. A mistake-free test, showcasing superb transitions and excellent balance, earned her first place from one judge, and eighth from another in the 3.2 – again, a significant difference in assessment. It was a well-deserved Champion Open Elementary horses in Emillio and the runner up going to Rachael Clarke and Tarcoola Adelina Gold.
The top Elementary tests were undoubtedly fluent, balanced, and well-ridden on horses with great gaits and balance – a showcase of exactly what is expected at this level.
In tests of this calibre, it’s my opinion that judges must use a fuller range of the marks available, from the possible 0 to 10, not just hover between 6 and 7. When scores cluster in the mid-range, it compresses the field, making it impossible to distinguish between truly exceptional work and more average efforts. This leads to major discrepancies in placings, when in fact the rides may have differed significantly in quality with positive differences. Riders know when they have good and not good movements and on asking, many have said they would rather receive an 8 and a 4 to show the differences, than a 7 and a 6.
In the Intermediate II, a strong field of nine competitors saw a clear win from Matthew Dowsley on TS Firestorm. In only their second ever Inter II start (having also won their debut the previous week) the pair scored a winning 68.284%, with scores ranged from 63.2% to 71.9%.
Astronomical placed second on 65.441% for Mary Nitschke, with Sally-Ann Quigley and Larapinta Orlando third on 65.098%. Megan Keir on Revelwood Queens County finished first, fourth, and sixth across the judging panel to land in fourth overall.
Matthew’s win on TS Firestorm was well deserved. This is clearly a horse with a big future. Though young and still building strength and balance, as he is a hugely tall horses, the quality of the piaffe and passage is already developing kindly with sit and rhythm and a light forehand. Other than a minor mistake in the flying change in medium canter, it was a confident and composed test – typical of Matthew’s polished riding. As Firestorm matures, Grand Prix marks in the 70s seem very likely.
In the AOR Inter A class, Jocelyn West on Macarthur Jeniro was the sole competitor but rode a composed test to secure the win. Still room for improvement and as yet more marks to flow with better piaffe and passage and a little more confidence allowing for relaxed canter work and the changes. A beautiful Den Niro mare.
Overall, it was another fabulous day of competition on Thursday, featuring intense riding, top-class horses, and many memorable performances. The only lingering disappointment was the reluctance of some judges to reward quality with more generous marks and to use the variety of marks available to separate the good work and movements from the less deserving movements, rather than sit on the fence.
As with the riders and test riding, the more you do the better you become and so it is with judging and the judges are all passionate and look for all the positives they have been taught. It’s no job for the faint hearted and they are all doing their very best; that’s commendable and much gratitude to every one of them. Practice makes perfect and it’s sometimes intimidating to be brave, but the riders love bravery! It’s all in the spirit of dressage and part and parcel of paving the way to brave and positive riding that in turn will get rewarded.
Three more days to come. It’s great competition. Banter and open discussion are healthy ways to improve, as long as we all stay open minded. Everyone is for the promotion of the sport and that’s what good repartee creates.
The Hawkesbury Dressage Festival continues until Sunday, 22 June – stayed tuned for more.
Full results from the 2025 Hawkesbury Dressage Festival can be found here.
