Main image: The top score for the day was Stella Barton and Lord Larmarque with 73.542%. Image by Click Capture.
Saturday marked the first day of competition at the final Australian Paralympic qualifier, held as part of the Hawkesbury Dressage Festival at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre. With 27 riders competing across various grades, the event is crucial for those aiming to secure their final qualifying scores for the 2024 Paris Paralympics.
The top score for the day was Stella Barton and Lord Larmarque, who continued their strong campaign by securing another win in Grade I with a PB score in the Grand Prix A test of 73.542%, adding another Paris qualifying score to their record.
Stella shared to social media “[I am] absolutely thrilled with our test A score of 73.542%. Bug and I felt really connected throughout the test.”
In the CPEDI3* Para Grand Prix A Grade II, it was Bridget Murphy riding Penmain Promise who won the class on a score a 67.241%, securing their crucial final Paris qualifying score.
The CPEDI3* Para Grand Prix A Grade IV was highly competitive, with Dianne Barnes and Sorena winning on a score of 68.194%. Claire Graham on Furst Olli 3 scored 67.500% for second place, with Zoe Vorenas riding Salmour on third with 66.991%.
It was Lisa Martin and Vilaggio in the CPEDI3* Para Grand Prix A Grade V who achieved a strong score of 67.949%, ensuring another qualifying score for this combination for Paris.
In the CPEDI3* Para Grand Prix A Grade III, Amylie Hines and EA Exquisite topped the class with a score of 64.389%.
CPEDI2*
In the CPEDI2* Para Intermediate A Grade IV*, Darcy Macaulay and Parklands Faltango were the winners with a score of 69.333%. The last CPEDI2* Para Intermediate A class for the day was the Grade V, where it was Heidi Ford and Rikaardt H who were the winners.
Virtus Riders in Action
Today also marked a great opportunity to watch our Virtus riders in action ahead of the 2024 Virtus Open European Equestrian Championships, where Australia will send a team of 8 to Winchester, Hamsphire United Kingdom from 15-19 July . The Virtus II2 test was won by Sui Watts and Gem Park Guess with a score of 64.405%, while the afternoon featured the Virtus II3 and II1 classes, with Jodin Bell and Opal Park Memories taking the win in the II3 class and Sarah Sherwood riding Divavalli Royal Guess taking the win in the II1 class, scoring 69.000%.
The Para Nominated EA Test (Test of choice) saw strong performances from Alexandra Shepherd on Majestic R, Tellisa Kearton with Briar Blitz, and Tracey Crittenden riding Florentyna TLC.
In the Assisted Walk Test: AW 2-23, Marnie Clapham and SPH Bellisima were the top performers.
Results are available: HERE.
Livestream is available on our LIVE TV page.
Tomorrow will be the last opportunity for our Australian based riders to secure their final qualifying scores ahead of the upcoming Paralympic Games, with action kicking off at 9am. Full results can be found via Equipe.
