The Shepherds Electrical CDI3* Grand Prix Special was another action-packed class, with Jayden Brown and Quincy B completing the clean sweep to claim their third victory of the weekend. The pair posted a new personal best of 74.447%, despite a costly error in the one-time changes down the centreline. Scores of 9.0 for the entry, right canter pirouette and harmony proved decisive, underlining the quality of their partnership.
Emma Flavelle-Watts and Scarlatti Mio VSR finished second on a personal best score of 70.255%, marking them as the third combination to fulfil the Aachen selection criteria. Like Jayden, they incurred early penalties with 2s and 3s on their first centreline, but Scarlatti’s elastic paces and consistent work through the remainder of the test saw them climb back into second place. Notably they chose to compete in a double after competing in a snaffle the first two days, with Scarlatti’s connection being just as secure in both.
Mary Hanna and Ivanhoe secured third with 69.128%, delivering another reliable and accurate performance. While not their highest score, the combination once again demonstrated their consistency and composure in the arena.
In the Rivenlee CDN Intermediate A/B Freestyle, Maddison Foster and Revelwood Desmond continued their standout competition, adding another win to their tally after topping both CDI2* Medium Tour tests earlier in the event. The pair claimed the freestyle on 69.609%. Despite costly mistakes in the extended canter and one-time tempis, they impressed with strong marks for their entry, trot half passes and piaffe.
“It was very special to compete in my first international competition with Des,” Maddi said. “My aim was to ride clean tests, but at times Des had a little bit to say about how scary the indoor was. He still tried his absolute best, and I couldn’t be more proud of him and what we were able to achieve together. The judges’ comments have given us a lot of confidence as we look ahead to making our Grand Prix debut shortly.”
Megan Keir and Revelwood Queens County finished second on 68.292%, with Susan Elekessy and Callum Park Damascus close behind in third on 68.217% — just 0.08% separating the placings.
The Stable Ground CDN Intermediate I Freestyle was won by Lisa Martin and Vilaggio, who produced a confident and expressive test to score an impressive 72.880%. In second was Rebecca Rooke and BB Niccolo finish second with 71.370%, while Celeste Amezdroz and Sugarloaf Amnesty rounded out the top three on 70.930%.
Nicole Tough and Everdeen produced a standout performance in the Elementary 3.2, earning a winning score of 75.750%. The combination received an impressive 77.500% from Jane Ventura at C and 74.000% from Jobina Kennedy at B, securing not only the class win but also the Mulawa Performance Horses Elementary Championship.
Reserve Champion honours went to Harvey Besley and Birk Van De Vosjes, who backed up their 3.1 victory with a second-place finish in the 3.2 on 74.438%.
The EBM Group CDI U25 Grand Prix Freestyle was won by Dannielle McMahon and Remi Laurie’s Joy with 69.015%.
“I’m so proud of Joy,” Dani said. “She’s come so far in the Grand Prix work. There’s still more to improve, and I’m really excited to see what’s to come.”
Tahlia Coleiro and Hercules MI finished second on 67.125%.
In the Rockwell Information Services CDI Young Rider Freestyle, Angelina Thompson and Arnage Royal Edition claimed the win with 72.205%. With placings once again changing, the class continued to highlight the depth and competitiveness of this Young Rider field, which sits at Prix St Georges level. Tia Rose McKenzie and Phenomenon finished second on 70.530%, with Emma Hutchinson and Freshman R close behind in third on 70.140%.
Millie Fletcher and Amsterdam were the unanimous winners of the 4CYTE CDI Junior Freestyle, with all judges placing them first on a strong score of 74.158%. Zali Mills and Royal Diamond Jubilee claimed second with 71.650%, while Marley Ara Yates and Secret Rose finished third on 71.183%.
The Future Farms CDI Pony Freestyle was won by Matia Hopwood and Clare Downs Arian Lledrith with 70.308%. Milla Greenway and SPB Robert Redford followed closely in second on 69.858%, just 0.5% behind, while Olivia Roberts and Chapel House Gwilym finished third with 61.033%.
A small but competitive field contested the Shepherds Electrical CDI Children Team Test, with the top three separated by just 0.4%. Sage Sharpe and Alpine Park Sneak Preview took the win on 64.325%, narrowly ahead of Nicolas Ffrench and Noble Ballerina on 64.300%. Lily Diss and Butterfly DS rounded out the podium with 63.950%.
Young horse competition continued to impress on the final day. Robbie McKinnon and Verstappen DS backed up their round one performance to win the County Saddlery Australia Four-Year-Old Young Horse Round 2 with 84.400%, including scores of 9.0 for both canter and perspective. Victoria Luxford and Valdare finished second on 79.800%, with Rebecca Rooke and Phorce Fields Quebec third on 76.400%.
In the Federation Bulk Haulage Five-Year-Old Young Horse Round 2, Matthew Lord and Remi Braveheart claimed another win with 81.500%. Taleisha Snell and Antari finished second on 78.200%, closely followed by Daisy Fielding and Remi Victorias Secret on 78.000%.
The Balgowlah Dental Clinic Six-Year-Old Young Horse Round 2 was decided on a countback, with Lizzie Wilson-Fellows and Hollands Bend Secrets Out securing the win on 76.200%. John Thompson finished second on the same score with Zaire MI, while his second mount, Aber Fashion MI, placed third with 76.000%.
Jessica Dertell and Osaka P continued their outstanding competition record, winning the Willinga Park Veterinary Hospital Seven-Year-Old Young Horse Round 2 with 75.329%. Mary Warren and Mindarah Park Rupert finished second on 70.215%, with John Thompson and Franka MI third on 69.029%.
Events of this calibre are only possible through the tireless efforts of those working behind the scenes. Event organiser Cathie Drury-Klein once again delivered a superbly run competition, supported by dedicated organisers, stewards, judges, scribes and the Willinga Park team, whose attention to detail ensured world-class footing and presentation throughout the event. The continued support of sponsors also plays a vital role in making competitions like this possible, helping to sustain and grow the sport at every level. This event is always a highlight on the calendar and will already be in everyones calendars for next year.
