Day two of the Leader Equine Dressage Spectacular CPEDI saw a strong contingent of Australian para dressage combinations once again take to the arena with top performances across all levels – showcasing serious depth and excitement for the future. The cool, wet weather certainly hasn’t stopped these riders from bringing the heat!
Qualifying score and PB for Kylie Christian and Ivan Carlos in the CPEDI3* Grade I
At only their second CPEDI3* Grade I competition not date, Kylie Christian and Ivan Carlos (Ampere) had a great test today to win the CPEDI3* Grade I Grand Prix B with a qualifying score of 68.611%. The results was also a PB for the test.
Having also achieved a qualifying score at Willinga Park CPEDI this year, the combination has now achieved 67%+ at two CPEDI3* events – both in 2026, thus fulfilling the Competition Criteria. A great achievement for Kylie and Ivan!
Paralympian Stella Barton finished second in the class aboard Kendall Park Odyssey.
Double PB and a win for Lisa Martin and Villagio in the CPEDI3* Grade V
Paralympian Lisa Martin took first place in the CPEDI3* Grade V Grand Prix B with Vilaggio on a total mark of 75.088%, which was a personal best score for the pair in this test. It’s certainly been a great competition for Lisa and Vilaggio, who also achieved a PB in the Grand Prix A on Friday. The duo has already satisfied the Competition Criteria section of Equestrian Australia’s FEI World Championship selection policy, and Lisa will no doubt be pleased with her scores here at Boneo.
You can read more about qualifying for the FEI World Championship and what’s required as per Equestrian Australia’s selection policy in Friday’s report here.
Mietta Innes-Irons and Sir Helmut – another combination to have satisfied the Competition Criteria – had another great test today to finish second on 69.517%, while Stuart Drysdale and Blueberry 20 finished third with 64.123%, an FEI MER score for the World Championship.
Bridget Murphy and Penmain Promise secure their second CPEDI3* Grade II win
Paralympian Bridget Murphy took first place in the CPEDI3* Grade II Grand Prix B with mare Penmain Promise (Triple Trees Prince Perfect) on a total score of 71.222%, showing an improved test from Friday. This combination has also completed the Competition Criteria, and are showing great consistency.
Maddison Cooke finished second aboard Byalee Magic II (Richmeed Medallion) with 67.889% and Victoria Davies placed third with Sonnensterne (Sun and Fun) on 67.666%, with both riders achieving qualifying scores. Joann Formosa place fourth with Ashquar Riley (Jaydana Zulu) on 64.333%, an FEI MER score.
Another PB and qualifying score for Di Barnes and Tjibbe B as they claim the CPEDI3* Grade IV
Paralympian Dianne Barnes again took first place in the CPEDI3* Grade IV Grand Prix B with Tjibbe B on a total score of 70.676%, marking another qualifying score for the duo here at Boneo. Recently sidelined with an injury, Di was only back in the saddle less than a week prior to this competition and what a great effort to post the scores they have at this event.
Helen Batson and MSJ Tia Fortuna – another combination to have fulfilled the Competition Criteria – placed second today on a qualifying score of 67.477%.
Kirsty Van Loon and Nero R, debuting at CPEDI3* level here at Boneo, produced another consistent test for third on 66.261%, with Brooke Neville and Remi Bellagio fourth on 65.586%; both combinations achieved FEI MERs. Fifth place went to Darcy Macaulay and Vittorio VDS, and sixth to Anne Watts and Santana MH – again, another competitive Grade IV test with strong performances across the field.
Claire Graham and Furst Olli 3 win the CPEDI3* Grade III
Claire Graham took first place in the CPEDI3* Grade III Grand Prix B with Furst Olli 3 (Furstenball) on a total score of 68.722%. It was an improved mark from yesterday for a combination that has already fulfilled the Competition Criteria.
Melissa Cannon achieved a qualifying score aboard Duchess DS (Dark President), placing second with 67.611%. Felicity Weal placed third with FTF Florita (Joselito De Arroyo) on 65.056%, followed by Ella Newbery in fourth with Felton Gold EB (Fidertanz) on 64.611%, with both combinations achieving FEI MERs.
CPEDI2*
Up-and-coming combinations once again took to the arena today in the CPEDI2* classes, with impressive tests across four levels.
Paralympian Emma Booth took first place in the CPEDI2* Grade III Intermediate B with Glenhill Divine Classic (Numerus Clausus) on a total score of 68.602%, marking another consistent test for this combination here at Boneo.
Kate Nipperess took first place in the CPEDI2* Grade II Intermediate B with Dame Remi Wolverine (Hotse) on a total score of 67.651%, while Deborah Hodgson took first place in the CPEDI2* Grade V Intermediate B with Maserati on a total score of 64.950%.
Michele Duthy took first place in the CPEDI2* Grade IV Intermediate B with Haluma Park Siorus on a total score of 64.463%, ahead of Megan McLoughlin and Mayfield Springsteen in second.
Competition continues Sunday with the Freestyle tests. As scores in these tests don’t count directly toward the Competition Criteria for the FEI World Championship, the Freestyles do give riders a chance to take the pressure of a little – although of course all who are lining up tomorrow will no doubt be out to give it their best!
