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Previewing the 20th Annual Sydney CDI
One of Australia’s premier dressage events, the Sydney CDI will reach a new milestone in 2012 when it celebrates its 20th year.
Beginning 3 May, the Sydney CDI will see riders who have travelled from across Australia and the Tasman competing in Australia’s oldest internationally recognised Dressage competition.
With a number of Australia’s top Dressage combinations competing in Olympic Games nomination events in Europe, this year’s event has drawn a highly competitive field of accomplished riders and rising stars.
Maree Tomkinson (pictured) is one of Australia’s most skilful riders. She recently won the CDI-W at the annual PSI Dressage and Jumping with the Stars in Werribee, Victoria and will be looking to win yet another CDI crown on the nine year old mare, Diaminatina IV, that she partly owns with Lyn Sultana.
The combination will be looking to consolidate their impressive Grand Prix record of three wins and one second place in as many starts.
They’ll face stiff competition from a number of ‘young guns’ who will be looking to claim their first major international Dressage title. One such rider, 22 year old David McKinnon, is competing in his first Sydney CDI and has the honour of riding Brett Parbery’s horses - QEB Good as Gold, owned by Brett and Caroline Lieutenant and DP Weltmeiser owned by Susan Duddy.
“I’m so lucky that they have entrusted me to ride their horses. I have to say I’m pretty nervous as they are big shoes to fill,” said McKinnon, who is also an employee of Brett and Melinda Parbery.
Top placed combinations at the end of the weekend could also find themselves in contention for a place in this year’s Dressage Grand Final.
The 12 best combinations with the highest percentages after five Dressage Grand Final qualifying events will automatically qualify for the Grand Final, which will be held as part of the Equestrian Grand Final at EQUITANA, Melbourne, November 15-18.
Combinations may compete at multiple qualifiers but only their best result will count. A further three wild-card entries will be awarded by Equestrian Australia ahead of the final.
The 2012 Sydney CDI will be staged SIEC – Sydney International Equestrian Centre – home of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. The venue is located 45km west of Sydney at Saxony Road, Horsley Park.
The 2012 Sydney CDI – Timetable
Thursday 3 May 12:45pm – 4:20pm Grand Prix CDI
Friday 4 May 1-4pm Grand Prix Special
Saturday 5 May 8:15pm – 10pm Grand Prix Freestyle
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Story: Michelle Cook/EA
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