The FEI classes at this year’s Sydney 3DE certainly have plenty of strong competition, especially in the long-format classes where entry numbers are strong. There were several sub-30 scores across the levels on Friday, setting the stage for what is sure to be an exciting day of cross country action.
Kiwi combination leads the CCI4*L
The CCI4*L had a field of 15 step into the arena for the dressage phase, and it was the New Zealand combination of Madison Seivwright and Waitangi Pinterest who impressed the judges to end the day in the lead on a serious score of 26.9 – the only sub-30 score of the class. Madison and 16-year-old Thoroughbred x Warmblood mare Waitangi Pinterest (by Cassiano out of Amberlou, by Aberlou) are no strangers to elite level competition, having competed internationally at Aachen CCIO4*S and Pau CCI5*L in 2021. They have competed in Australia with success previously, and most recently won their last two CCI4*S starts back in NZ.
Running second following the CCI4*L dressage is Hazel Shannon with her three-time Adelaide CCI5*L winner WillingaPark Clifford (30), while Sam Jeffree and Santoro are placed third (30.80).
Oliver Barrett and the beautiful mare Sandhills Special lead a small but competitive CCI4*S on 29.90, ahead of Justine Streater with Quintina and Heath Ryan with Bobby Dazzler, who are in equal second on the same score of 34.50.
Hot competition in the two- and three-star classes
Christine Bates and the lovely Bloomfield Findon lead the CCI3*L on the only sub-30 score of the class (29.3). Image by Ashley Grant/The Blachat.
Christine Bates and the lovely Bloomfield Findon lead the CCI3*L on the only sub-30 score of the class (29.3), ahead of Georgia Rohde with Cassio Xtreme (30.30) and Charlotte Lalak aboard Fairbanks Casino (31.20).
There were also very strong scores in the CCI3*S, Emma Bishop and Cassilis Park Figaro lead on 26.70, just ahead of Andrew Barnett and Oscar Park Deluge on 27.0 and Samuel Fasher with Angelina Gold on 28.0.
A big field of 26 started in the CCI2*L, with Niki Rose and Dreamrush continuing their recent run of success to the take the lead on 29.10. In second place is Shane Rose with Time To Cooley (29.80), followed by Shenae Lowings and Chupa Chup (30.10). Certainly close at the top end of the rankings here!
Cross country takes place today. Stay tuned for results!
