The Saddlefitter Brisbane CDI at Caboolture, just north of Brisbane, always lures a strong contingent from the southern states with the promise of warmer weather. Riders and visitors alike were not disappointed on the opening day, with balmy — if slightly humid — conditions setting the stage for some very fine competition.
The venue itself impressed, with both the main arena and arena two situated under cover. The surfaces were in excellent condition, secure underfoot, and allowed horses to perform with confidence in both the competition arenas and the warmup arena alongside.
Prix St Georges
The Open Prix St Georges class showcased quality riding at the top level. Victory went to Lisa Martin aboard the expressive chestnut Vilaggio, earning a strong 71.824%. The pair impressed with expressive movement, polish, and the experience one expects from a rider of Lisa’s international calibre. Now also classified as a Para rider, Lisa has previously represented Australia at the 2016 Rio Paralympics, the 2022 FEI World Championships in Denmark, and the 2024 Paris Paralympics, and her presence here added further depth to the class.
Close behind, Jayden Brown and Leopold continued their excellent form after a major win at the NSW Championships in Tamworth, finishing second on 71.412%. Queensland’s Emma Flavelle-Watts and the seasoned Davrol Dexter claimed third with 69.529%, keeping the home state well represented. In fourth was Emma Weinert with the talented Bloomfield Valan, a Versace progeny making one of his early Prix St Georges appearances, finishing with 67.706%.
The AOR Prix St Georges went to Kayla Webb and Kenlock Enfield Sky on 65.353%, will the Pony Prix St Georges went to Jacqueline Huppert and Cognac Diamond on 69.559%.
Intermediate A
Queensland pride was on full display in the Open Inter A, as Matthew Lord piloted Remi Vigneron, a striking chestnut stallion bred by Remi Stud, to victory on 67.471%. The horse’s scope, quality, and potential toward Grand Prix were evident in a test that turned plenty of heads.
The AOR Inter A went to Vicki Gowland and Furstin La Joer on 63.118%.
Intermediate II
The Intermediate II class proved both close and intriguing. Mary Hanna and CJ Park Sir Dragonfire edged out the win with 68.471%, a test praised for its expressiveness and uphill balance. Hot on their heels was Jayden Brown aboard the much-improved Legendary, just behind on 68.059%. Third place went to Denise Rogan on Greco.
The judging split made for interesting discussion: one international judge rewarded Hanna with 71.76% and another judge 70.882%, while the two other marks were just over 65%.
Medium Championship
Perhaps the most exciting depth of talent on day one came in the Open Medium Championship, with Jessica Dertell making a strong impression on the imported Osaka P. With an average of 70.45% in the 4.2, and all three judges awarding over 70%, the combination left little doubt as to their class.
Second place went to Elmo’s Fire VIP ridden by Lisel Dingley on 68.874%, while third place went to Radiance B ridden by Harvey Besley on 66.396%
In the Medium 4.3, Jessica and Osaka P again proved unbeatable, topping the leaderboard with 68.761%. Harvey Besley improved into second on Radiance B (68.248%) while Lisel Dingley and Elmo’s Fire VIP rounded out third (67.735%).
This decisive pair of wins secured Jessica Dertell and Osaka P the Open Medium Championship, marking them as ones to watch as they progress up the levels. Lisel Dingley and Elmo’s Fire VIP were the Reserve Champions.
Preliminary classes
In the Open Preliminary 1.2, which saw 23 riders contest the class, Matthew Lord riding Remi Braveheart secured first place with an impressive a score of 73.750%. Taking second place was Emma Flavelle-Watts aboard Belrock Sancia, finishing on an average of 72.768%, while Danica Vansleve with Dio Mio rounded out the top three on 67.946%.
In the Open Preliminary 1.3, Matthew Lord riding Remi Braveheart once again secured first place with a score of 74.063%. Taking second place was Kristy Battista aboard Mayfield Kingston on 72.604%, while Emma Flavelle-Watts with Belrock Sancia completed the podium in third with 71.771%.
Matthew Lord riding Remi Braveheart were the Open Preliminary Champions, ahead of Emma Flavelle-Watts with Belrock Sancia.
In the AOR Preliminary 1.2, which saw 18 riders contest the class, Justine Dean riding JMH Frankly secured first place with a score of 77.411%. Taking second place was Holly McDonald-Smith aboard Remi Voodoo Magic on 76.339%, while Phoebe Young with HH Rose Gold rounded out the top three on 71.250%. Following on in the AOR Preliminary 1.3, Justine Dean and JMH Frankly continued their strong form to claim another victory, this time with a score of 72.917%. Vanessa Brown and Atalantis took second place on 71.771%, while Holly McDonald-Smith with Remi Voodoo Magic again featured on the leaderboard, finishing third with 71.042%.
Justine Dean and JMH Frankly were named the AOR Preliminary Champions, with Holly McDonald-Smith aboard Remi Voodoo Magic the runners-up.
In the Pony Preliminary 1.2, which saw 9 riders contest the class, Amber Hamilton riding Pennant Apache secured first place with a score of 70.536%. Taking second place was Kylee Chandler aboard Nevermore on 69.464%, while Luise Sand with El Rose Banjo rounded out the top three on 65.804%. Following on in the Pony Preliminary 1.3, Kylee Chandler and Nevermore rose to the top, taking first place with a score of 70.625%. Amber Hamilton with Pennant Apache followed closely in second on 68.854%, while Kate Thompson aboard Willowcroft Fascination secured third with 66.979%.
The Pony Preliminary Championship ultimately went to Kylee Chandler and Nevermore, with Amber Hamilton and Pennant Apache the Reserve Champions.
Don’t miss Friday’s action
There are some very exciting up and coming horses and on watching the classes Thursday and the warm ups, it was so wonderful to watch the training with Jayden Brown accompanied by long-time friend, coach, and mentor in Jenny Gehrke to see the outstanding connection between horse, rider, and coach.
Look out Friday, with Jayden riding both WillingaPark Quincy and D’Esperanza in the CDI3* Grand Prix.
D’Esperanza was in a snaffle bridle and a delight on Thursday evening in the warm up. The piaffe was so much more sitting, as was the canter work and the pirouettes. It was wonderful to see the connection and the mare so enjoying her work; she’s always been a tryer and so was being rewarded for ‘less is more’. The suppleness is improving, and the journey with this mare is amazing and continues to make all realise that horses need time and understanding and there are many encapsulated areas of work that need addressing along the way for the eventual result.
The first day of the Brisbane CDI was relaxed, with great weather, and honest horsemanship and understanding on so many levels! Stay tuned for Friday’s report.
View the results and draws via Nominate here.
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