In the CDN Intermediate II, a field of 11 combinations faced an international ground jury of five judges. Taking the win was Riley Alexander aboard New Star LP, posting an impressive 69.882%. Megan Keir followed in second place on Revelwood Queens County with 68.529%, while Holly Barnes with Rosabella R and Amanda Jakins with Artes Lauries Gift were next, both sharing 63.088%.
Riley’s test was one of polish and growing confidence. The mare, now 11, was purchased as a four-year-old based on the strength of her pedigree — by Negro out of a Dimaggio mare named Debstar LP — and has been carefully produced through the levels.
“I really enjoy her attitude towards her work — she tries very hard,” Riley said. “Her passage is developing well and felt particularly strong today. The piaffe can still improve, but overall, I was very happy. The changes were excellent and she produced a mistake-free test.”
Riley doubled his success in the CDN Prix St Georges with Glenhill Vivid, scoring 69.470%.
“She’s incredibly expressive — sometimes a little too enthusiastic,” he said. “I keep telling her ‘less is more’, but she doesn’t always agree.”
Christan Trainor of Glenhill Sporthorses owns both the winners and has really established a name as an owner and breeder of outstanding horses in the dressage world. On asking her about the purchase of these two horses, she was enthusiastic in her response.
“It was by luck that I found New Star, being by Negro from Debstar — a mare that was produced to FEI by Maree Tomkinson, and by Demaggio. She also made a few Grand Prix competitions, and I always like the lines to not only be great genetically but also proven in the competition arena. I have always loved the mare, but as always, it’s then about the training and how fortunate am I to have Riley producing her. I love the journey on top of this.
“With Vivid, she was another chance purchase — and what a mare, being by Vitalis out of a Zonik mare. I bought her as I loved the genetics. I have to say that her movement is extreme, as is her attitude and it’s amazingly wonderful to see her work every day. She is full on. She is one in a million and she will be as a great wine and get better with age. She will come into her own at Grand Prix. She won here at the CDI as a five-year-old and then as a six-year-old she won at Dressage and Jumping with the Stars. We love her; she is different and exciting, and having only had a few starts at this level… to win anything at the Sydney CDI is a real buzz.
Reduced program due to resurfacing works
The full range of classes usually offered were not possible this year, with only three competition arenas available due to arena resurfacing works. With large sections of the venue under extensive repair, the event lacks a little cohesion due to fragmented arena location.
With a reduced program and fewer classes as a result of these works, entry numbers are of course lower. Not through lack of interest, but through circumstances that couldn’t support the scale and stature the event has historically commanded.
Surfaces across the venue are inconsistent in footing, and so the resurfacing works will certainly be appreciated for future events.
CDI and Young Horse classes to be Thursday highlights
Attention now turns to the AEIE NSW Young Horse Championships and CDI divisions, headlined by the CDI3* Grand Prix on Thursday.
Despite reduced numbers at this year’s event, the quality of riding remains encouraging, and we look forward to seeing what the next three days bring.
