NSW Dressage Championships wrap up at SIEC

Main image: Medium Tour Freestyle winners Katina Smith and Rever Toujours. Image by Roger Fitzhardinge.

The final two days of the Regency Floats NSW Dressage Championships were held at SIEC over the weekend, with Sunday bringing beautiful weather with the wind abating.

Big Tour (Saturday & Sunday)

On Sunday, the Horse Bit Emporium FEI Grand Prix Freestyle saw David McKinnon and Estupendo deliver an outstanding performance, clinching the top spot with a commanding score of 76.835%. Caroline Wagner and Ibicus followed in second place with a score of 71.650%, and then Alexis Hellyer and Del Piero ZF were third on 70.855%.

Jodie Dunstan and Hollands Bend Highlander – winners of the Ariella Hayek Grand Prix Special on Saturday with 65.106% – came in fourth with a score of 69.170%; Holly Lewis and Heatherton Park Romeo finished in fifth with 67.585%; and Mark Kiddle and Penny Hill Park Sophia rounded out field with a score of 66.820.

In Saturday’s Grand Prix Special, Alexis Hellyer and Del Piero ZF finished second with a score of 64.851% behind Jodie and Hollands Bend Highlander, while Holly Lewis and Heatherton Park Romeo finished third with a score of 62.170%.

“It was a very deserving win to Jodie Dunstan and her horse Hollands Bend Highlander in the Special. This large and imposing bay gelding shows a huge talent for this level. An expressive extended trot and probably the best piaffe and passage of all the Grand Prix horses at this competition,” observes Roger Fitzhardinge.

“Elastic, imposing and very good in the bridle. Unfortunately, missing one change in the one-tempi changes, and then again on the centreline doing 7 x 1 tempis instead of nine between the pirouettes – these mistakes were marked very harshly. This horse’s ability to sit and make wonderful piaffe and passage does probably not reap the benefit of the marks available.”

Sunday’s AOR Grand Prix Freestyle, sponsored by Horse Bit Emporium, went to Emily James and Platypus Run Firenz on 66.570%.

AOR & Pony Novice (Saturday)

In the AOR Novice 2.2, sponsored by Horseland Dural, Ashley Clarke and Bangalow Creek Summer secured first place with a score of 71.641%. Sarah Howitt and Doctor Royal followed closely in second with a score of 70.781%, and Francesca Downes with Chunky Monkey rounded out the top three, earning a score of 70.625%.

In the 2.3, Sarah and Doctor Royal led the field with a score of 70.500%. Francesca and Chunky Monkey secured second place with a score of 69.786%. Ashley and Bangalow Creek Summer finished in third with a score of 68.643%.

Sarah and Doctor Royal were named AOR Novice Champions, while Ashley and Bangalow Creek Summer were the Reserves.

In the Pony Novice 2.2, sponsored by Samantha Sidwell, Justin Worthy and Freemans Lodge Gigabyte took first place with a score of 68.359%. Justin also secured second spot with Broadway De Luxe, achieving a score of 67.656%. Jacqueline White and Kingsfield Champagne De Luxe completed the top three with a score of 67.109%.

In the 2.3, Justin and Freemans Lodge Gigabyte again achieved first place with an impressive score of 72.786%. Justin once again also claimed second place with Broadway De Luxe, scoring 72.071%. Shonagh Kelly and SPB Audrey Hepburn finished third with a score of 69.571%.

Justin and Freemans Lodge Gigabyte were named Pony Novice Champions, with Broadway De Luxe the Reserves.

Open, AOR & Pony Advanced (Saturday & Sunday)

In the Open Advanced 5.2, sponsored by Parbery Dressage, Gordon Pratt and Aberdare MI secured first place with a score of 69.539%. Rochelle King-Andrews and Challenger Florian followed closely in second with a score of 69.474%, while Linda Foster and Rossini HG completed the top three with a score of 67.829%.

“The 5.2 had a great group of horses in it and was won by Gordon Pratt and Aberdare MI,” says Roger. “Aberdare is owned by Samantha Parkhurst and was bred by the Farrells of Mulawa Stud, by stallion Aber Halo. Gordon Pratt is now a prominent figure in the racing world; he rode dressage several years ago and has come back into it recently and doing an outstanding job.

“In second place breathing down his neck was Rochelle King-Andrews on Challenger Florian, a beautiful uphill bay horse in a snaffle bridle; elegant and fluent, with great harmony and rhythm. No mistakes and a very easy combination to watch. A very close competition. In third place was Linda Foster and Rossini HG, owned by Isla and Robert Weight.”

In the 5.3, Gordon Pratt and Aberdare MI achieved a top score of 73.514%, securing first place. Katina Smith and Le Roi de Platinum finished second with a score of 70.608%, while Rochelle King-Andrews and Challenger Florian took third with 68.649%.

“In the 5.3 it was again Gordon out in front with Aberdare MI. In second place was Katina Smith on the beautiful stallion Le Roi De Platinum. This stallion was a little spooky in the first Advanced test, which cruelled his marks, but he certainly put his best foot forward in this test and a very lovely athletic stallion. Well ridden by Katina Smith.Third place went to Rochelle King-Andrews on Challenger Florian. Another delightful test with no mistakes, really easy flying changes and very good balance throughout the test,” says Roger.

“It was good to see there were actually 19 Advanced horses in the class. A lot of these horses are ready to step up to next level at Prix St Georges and some really good percentages here being seen.”

Gordon Pratt and Aberdare MI were the Open Advanced Champions, while Rochelle King-Andrews and Challenger Florian were named the Reserves.

In the Hampton Park Equestrian Open Advanced Freestyle on Sunday, Serena Ireland and TJibbe B topped the field with a score of 75.133%. Courtney Larard and F1 Sweetest Taboo followed in second with a score of 71.675%, while Rochelle and Challenger Florian completed the top three with a score of 69.250%.

In the AOR Advanced 5.2, sponsored by Tarcoola Equestrian, Rhiannon Isaacs and KC Bellino topped the field with an average score of 69.145%. Kathryn Janjic and Djivin secured second place with a score of 67.105%. Victoria Murphy and Chapplehurst Furstenhall rounded out the top three with an average score of 65.592%.

In the 5.3, Anne Nelson and Rosevale Ballroom Blitz led with a score of 71.014%. Rhiannon and KC Bellino followed closely in second place with a score of 70.270%, and Catherine Chittenden and Bluefields Bellini took third with a score of 65.270%.

Rhiannon and KC Bellino were crowned AOR Advanced Champions, while Anne Nelson and Rosevale Ballroom Blitz were the Reserves.

“There is no doubt that the Belissimo M x Monopol x Valuta gelding, KC Bellino, would have to be one of the most decorated AOR horses of the last few years. He is liver chestnut and seriously handsome. Rhiannon Isaac owns him and has trained him since he was 10 months old. It’s all about Amateur Owner Riders enjoying the journey towards Grand Prix and there is no question that Bellino is doing just this.”

In the AOR Advanced Freestyle, sponsored by Hampton Park Equestrian, Dee Vodden and Benchmark Fine Gold achieved first place with a score of 66.800%. Elizabeth Sonter and Widgee Total Eclipse secured second place with a score of 62.133%. Katherine Bennett and F1 Don Schumann finished third with a score of 60.942%.

In the Pony Advanced 5.2, sponsored by Voler Equestrian & Belle Equestrian, Sophie Artup and Charlie Sheen 5 secured first place with a score of 69.605%. Young rider Abby Weel and Reitlands Obama – who were the Pony Medium Champions earlier at the event – followed in second with a score of 67.171%, while Isobelle Muller and Dynomite completed the top three with a score of 61.316%.

In the 5.2 competition, Sophie and Charlie Sheen 5 clinched first place with a score of 71.351%. Abby and Reitlands Obama finished in second with a score of 70.270%, and Isobelle took third place with Dynomite on a score of 60.203%.

Sophie and Charlie Sheen 5 were named Champions, with Abby and Reitlands Obama the Reserves.

On Sunday in the Pony Advanced Freestyle, sponsored by Heavenly Horse Designs, Sophie and Charlie Sheen 5 again took first place with a score of 75.675%, while Isobelle and Dynomite finished second with a score of 61.167%.

Small Tour (Saturday & Sunday)

In the Open Intermediate I, sponsored by Crispin & Jeffery Chartered Accountants, Matthew Dowsley and TS Firestorm emerged victorious with a score of 72.206%. Alexis Hellyer and Fidibus took second place with a score of 69.951%. Sally Rizzuto and Quarterland secured third place with a score of 68.725%.

“The Inter I Class had some very good tests. The winner, as in a Prix St Georges, was a standout in TS Firestorm for Matthew Dowsley and owner Cheryl Smith. A 75% from one judge down to 69%, for an overall percentage of 72.206%.”

“This big horse is by Foundation and bred by Claire Wickins. He has come slowly and steadily through the ranks, always with scores over 70%. He’s really starting now to show the benefit of the training with more weight and balance over the hind legs and a freer forehand. The changes are getting better but still could show more airtime and expression. From watching the warm-up, I would say Grand Prix is very close. He has amazing piaffe and passage and the one tempi changes are there. An exciting combination,” says Roger.

“In second place was Fidibus for Alexis Hellyer. A lovely bay stallion showing plenty of activity and collection. As a younger horse, perhaps a little lazy, but now really starting to find his straps. A lovely fluent test for Alexis and great to see her back in the competition arena and being super successful.

“In third place was Sally Rizzuto, fresh from Elementary Champion with the Vicki Newham-owned Sir Donnertanz. Quarterland is by Quaterback, and is a lovely fluent chestnut horse that is free moving. For the big marks, he could show a little bit better sitting and collection. A well ridden and accurate test with good harmony for this combination. Quarterland is owned by Sally and Vicki Newham and a really super attitude horse for the sport with a big future.

“It was a lovely class to watch indeed with some very fancy horses and well ridden but very disappointing that they were only 10 horses entered at Inter I one at a New South Wales State Championships. In 2013 there were 20 horses… then in the last few years there has been a reserve list and now in 2024 there is only 10, which is a shame.”

The Agnes Banks Equine Clinic Open Intermediate I Freestyle on Sunday saw Sally Rizzuto and Quarterland secure first place with an average score of 72.175%. Celeste Amezdroz and SF Austin followed in second with a score of 70.783%, and Lizzie Wilson-Fellows and Lets Charmeux finished third with a score of 67.967%.

In the AOR Intermediate I, sponsored by Diamond Deluxe Horsewear, Deborah Fulwood and Gwandalan Snowman achieved first place with a score of 64.951%. Emily Gubbins and CP Samsara followed in second with a score of 64.853%. Kathy McKinnon and Koko Flash finished in third with a score of 60.588%.

In the Pony Intermediate I, sponsored by Diamond Deluxe Horsewear, Jessica Skinner and Burrowa Bashar achieved first place with a score of 64.559%. Jessica also won the Pony Intermediate I Freestyle on Sunday with a score of 67.508%.

Medium Tour (Saturday & Sunday)

In the Open Intermediate B, sponsored by For Horse and Country, Layla Williams and Ampersand clinched first place with a score of 66.811%. Katina Smith and Rever Toujours took second place with a score of 65.108%. Alycia Targa and CP Charmore finished in third with a score of 64.324%.

In Sunday’s Open Medium Tour Freestyle, sponsored by Alexander Park Dressage, Katina and Rever Toujours claimed first place with a score of 69.620%. Pamela Bice and Wealth finished second with a score of 67.985%, and Alycia and CP Charmore took third with a score of 67.410%.

Para Equestrian (Saturday)

The Para Equestrian Freestyles, sponsored by Regency Floats, took place on Saturday. In the Grade III Grand Prix Freestyle, Amylie Hines and EA Exquisite secured first place with a score of 67.517%; in the Grade V Grand Prix Freestyle, Georgina Bills and Chapplehurst Wynter achieved first place with a score of 68.113%; and the Grade V FEI Intermediate Freestyle went to Heidi Ford and Rikaardt H with a score of 69.350%.

Open & AOR Preliminary (Sunday)

The Open Preliminary 1.2 competition, sponsored by McKinnon Sporthorses, saw Gordon Pratt and Bloomfield Marocain claim first place with a score of 75.179%. Dianne White and Si Si Mariachi followed in second with a score of 73.750%. Aarin Regan-Lacey and Sonic Hit finished third with a score of 71.964%.

The 1.3 saw Gordon and Bloomfield Marocain topped the field again with a score of 75.000%. John Thompson and Khloe Mi secured second place with a score of 73.958%. Harvey Besley and Borderview Sapporo finished in third with an average score of 73.958%.

Gordon Pratt and Bloomfield Marocain were named the Open Preliminary Champions, with John Thompson and Khloe Mi the Reserves.

In the AOR Preliminary 1.2, sponsored by The Weel Family, Sally Walker and Woolaroo Valentine achieved first place with a score of 70.357%. Kaye Spence and Woodside Questionnaire followed in second with a score of 69.018%. Mary Holman and Fairways Da Vinci completed the top three with a score of 68.929%.

The 1.3 saw Sally and Woolaroo Valentine secure first place again with a score of 71.667%. Mary Holman and Fairways Da Vinci followed in second with a score of 70.000%, while Kaye Spence and Woodside Questionnaire finished in third with a score of 69.792%.

Sally and Woolaroo Valentine were the AOR Preliminary Champions, while Mary Holman and Fairways Da Vinci were the Reserves.

“Sunday was Preliminary day for the Amateur Owner Riders and Open horses, and some absolutely stunning young horses were seen – none more beautiful than the winner of the Open Preliminary, ridden by the in-form Gordon Pratt in Bloomfield Marocain, a mare by Marc Cain X Blues Hors Zac and owned by Emma Weinart… and only four years old! Gordon is very excited by the sharpness of this super horse and excited for her future,” says Roger.

“The runner up was ridden by John Farrell Thompson in Khloe MI. This mare is by Konig x Vivaldi and she is four years old. She was purchased by Kate Farrell at a KWPN foal auction and was a beautifully uphill foal with fantastic bloodlines, also including Totilas, Florencio, Krack C and Jazz. It was also close with BC Memphis, ridden, owned and bred by Katina Smith, and he was placed third overall. A very upstanding and beautifully forward moving horse with three great paces, being by Morricone x Sandro Hit.

“There is no question that the horses further down the list were also beautiful; there were some super ridden and presented Preliminary horses, and yet again one would wonder why there were not more points being dished out for these beautiful horses that were really well ridden and beautifully balanced for the level and with three very forward and flowing gaits. The standard was very high.”

In the Pony Preliminary 1.2, sponsored by the Oxley Family, Justin Worthy and Broadway De Luxe achieved first place with a score of 72.500%. Nicole Mazur and SPB Noble Day took second with a score of 66.875%. Meeri Lee and Bellecara Minuet finished third with a score of 66.161%.

In the 1.3, also sponsored by the Oxley Family, Justin and Broadway De Luxe claimed first place again with a score of 73.438%. Matilda Ireland and Bamborough Porcelain secured second place with a score of 67.396%, while Nicole and SPB Noble Day finished third in this test with a score of 67.292%.

Justin and Broadway De Luxe claimed the Pony Preliminary Championship, with Nicole and SPB Noble Day the Reserves.

AOR & Pony Elementary (Sunday)

In the AOR Elementary 3.2, sponsored by Assistance Dogs Australia, Stephanie Debaecker and Mystere MI secured first place with a score of 66.063%. Nicole Pullen and Sassafras Hollywood Hit followed in second with a score of 65.438%. Alison Smith and BP Heroic Splash finished third with a score of 64.500%.

In the 3.3, Alison and BP Heroic Splash achieved first place with a score of 66.280%. Catelin Crawford and Fabrizio secured second with a score of 65.610%, while Nicole and Sassafras Hollywood Hit finished in third in this test with a score of 64.024%.

Alison and BP Heroic Splash were named the Champions, with Nicole and Sassafras Hollywood Hit the Reserves.

In the Pony Elementary 3.2 competition, also sponsored by Assistance Dogs Australia, Jacqueline White and Kingsfield Champagne de Luxe took first place with a score of 66.313%. Melinda Parbery and SPB Elizabeth Taylor followed in second with a score of 65.438%. Tereza Husakova and Gwarryen Andromeda finished in third with a score of 63.625%.

In the 3.3, Jacqueline and Kingsfield Champagne de Luxe again took first place with a score of 63.293%. Tereza and Gwarryen Andromeda secured second with a score of 62.683%, and Melinda and SPB Elizabeth Taylor finished third with a score of 62.256%.

The Pony Elementary Championship went to Jacqueline and Kingsfield Champagne de Luxe, with Melinda and SPB Elizabeth Taylor were named the Reserves.

Full results from the 2024 Regency Floats NSW Dressage Championships can be found here.