“After a 21-month battle to have my case against Equestrian Australia heard by the National Sports Tribunal, the matter has finally come to an end,” revealed Vivien Lipshut on Friday 24 July.
That case in question was the 2024 Australian Grand Prix Champion title. The Australian Dressage Championship was held from 17-20 October 2024 at Sydney International Equestrian Centre, and at time of entries the event schedule stated that the Australian Grand Prix Championship would be decided as per Equestrian Australia Rule 10.10(e).
At the time, that rule stipulated that the title would be determined by the best two scores in either the Grand Prix and Grand Prix Freestyle, or the Grand Prix and the Grand Prix Special.
After consultation between the Event Director and EA Dressage Committee, the event program was updated with a different rule for determining the title – a points-based scoring system – however this occurred after entries closed and entrants were not directly notified of the change.
The latter method of determining the Championship was implemented at the event, and saw the title awarded to Mary Hanna and Ivanhoe – who won both the Grand Prix and Grand Prix Special. David McKinnon and Estupendo were named the runners-up, although their second-placed Grand Prix score and winning Freestyle score would have secured them the title under the original rules at time of entry.
Results reversed
The National Sports Tribunal ultimately found that the scoring system and method used to award the Australian Grand Prix Champion – namely to use a points-based scoring system rather than a percentage-based scoring system – was contrary to paragraph 10.10(e) of the Equestrian Australia Dressage Rules for dressage competition as at 1 January 2024 and the Australian Dressage Championship Event Rules 2024.
“Competitors must have the opportunity to make informed decisions before committing to participation. Changing rules post-entry undermines this because entrants made their decision based on a particular set of conditions,” reads the National Sports Tribunal’s 18-page determination document. “Therefore, the [Australian Dressage Championship] Program could not validly alter the applicable rules.”
“Equestrian Australia and/or Equestrian NSW shall determine the ranking of the Australian Grand Prix Champion and assign the title and Championship Rug in accordance with the findings and determination of the Tribunal.”
As such, Estupendo will now be awarded the title.
“I took this matter to the National Sports Tribunal because I believed competitors have the right to rely on the rules as they are published. The Tribunal’s determination confirms that those rules cannot be changed after entries have closed,” said Vivien.
“This was never just about winning a championship. It was about standing up for fairness, accountability, and the integrity of our sport.”
Rightful champion crowned
The result of the decision means that David McKinnon and Estupendo are the 2024 Australian Grand Prix Champions, with Mary Hanna and Ivanhoe the Reserve Champions.
“I am truly honoured by this recognition and very much appreciate the integrity, fairness and professionalism shown by [Equestrian NSW and Dressage NSW] throughout this process. Your willingness to stand by the rules and support an independent determination has meant a great deal to me,” continued Vivien.
“Congratulations also to David McKinnon and my beautiful Estupendo. They were an extraordinary partnership, and this title is a fitting recognition of what they achieved together.
“I am looking forward to attending the [Equestrian NSW] Awards Night and sharing the occasion with so many people who love our sport. Thank you again to everyone who helped make this possible.”
State and national bodies recognise decision
Equestrian NSW and Dressage NSW acknowledged the determination of the National Sports Tribunal findings.
“We are committed to implementing the Tribunal’s determination in full,” said Equestrian NSW via a statement published to social media. “The decision provides important clarity regarding the application of the rules and reinforces the importance of fairness, consistency and transparency across our sport.
“We extend our sincere congratulations to Viv Lipshut, David McKinnon and Estupendo on being recognised as the 2024 Australian Grand Prix Champion. This is a significant achievement and one that deserves to be celebrated.
“Equestrian NSW and Dressage NSW also acknowledge and congratulate Mary Hanna, together with the other highly placed riders, owners and horses whose performances reflected the exceptional standard of Australian dressage. We thank them for the professionalism and sportsmanship they have demonstrated throughout this process, which reflects the very best values of our sport.
“We are delighted that Viv Lipshut has accepted an invitation to attend the Equestrian NSW Awards Night on Friday, 21 August 2026, where this outstanding achievement will be formally recognised by the NSW equestrian community.
“The Australian Grand Prix Champion title and Championship Rug will be formally presented in recognition of the champion combination of David McKinnon and Estupendo, while also acknowledging the dedication, commitment and support of everyone who contributed to this success.
“We appreciate the patience, professionalism and respect shown by all those involved throughout this process. We hope this marks a positive conclusion to the matter and allows the focus to return to celebrating our athletes, horses and the sport of dressage.
“Equestrian NSW and Dressage NSW remain committed to fair, transparent and consistent governance, and to fostering confidence in the integrity of our sport.”
Equestrian Australia also acknowledged the determination handed down by the National Sports Tribunal.
“We recognise the disappointment and uncertainty this matter has caused for those directly involved and the broader dressage community,” said Equestrian Australia via a statement.
“The Australian Dressage Championships 2024 were conducted by Dressage NSW on behalf of Equestrian NSW, and it is now for Dressage NSW and Equestrian NSW to determine the ranking of the Australian Grand Prix Champion and to assign the title and Championship Rug in accordance with the Tribunal’s findings.
“The Tribunal found that the scoring method applied by the Organising Committee to determine the Award was not consistent with the applicable EA Dressage Rules, and that the rules, properly construed, required a percentage-based scoring method rather than a points-based system.
“EA now considers this matter closed. However, we will continue to work closely with all relevant parties as the Tribunal’s findings are implemented. We recognise that this has been a challenging process for those involved and sincerely thank all parties for their patience, professionalism and constructive engagement throughout.
“In response to the Tribunal’s findings, the EA Board has commenced a review of the relevant National Dressage Rules, associated policies and event approval processes. The review will remove ambiguity in how placings and championship titles are determined, ensure event documentation is consistent with the national rules, and strengthen how and when rule clarifications are communicated to competitors. These measures are being taken to help prevent a situation of this nature occurring again.
“EA remains committed to fair, transparent and consistent competition across our sport. We appreciate the impact this matter has had and thank our members for their patience and understanding.”
The method of determining the Australian Grand Prix Champion was changed in January 2025 and as per the current rules is now based on a point-score system to ensure clarity for future events.
Equestrian Life would like to congratulate Vivien Lipshut, David McKinnon and Estupendo on their 2024 Australian Grand Prix title, as well as Mary Hanna and Ivanhoe on their Reserve Champion title.
Read more: FROM HOLLAND WITH LOVE: VIVIEN LIPSHUT’S ESTUPENDO – Equestrian Life, December 2024
