Many Stars Shine at PSI DJWTS

Two outstanding international guest stars, some lovely horses and great competition activity made this year’s PSI Dressage and Jumping with the Stars another fantastic event.  The inclement weather didn’t keep the crowds away who were keen to take in as much as possible over the three days.  

Ingrid Klimke and Greg Best impressed both the spectators and the competitors for their judging performances, and inspiring masterclasses.  Ingrid displayed her considerable riding talent, knowledge and patience when test riding the top three horses in each age group, and many considered Greg Best to be the “best ever” jumping guest star!

The IHB Material Championships for 4 year old Horses was won by John Thompson and Hollands Bend Santara, after they won the first round and then achieved a score of 9.5 from Ingrid Klimke for rideability and potential in the Final Round. Ingrid commented: “it’s a thrill to ride him, he is an outstanding prospect for the future”.

The Woodleigh International AYDH Championship for 5 year old Horses was won by Diamond Star and Judy Dierks.  Third in the first round, they won the second round and gained the highest score (8.5) of the 5 year olds ridden by Ingrid Klimke, being rewarded for his willingness to work and a positive attitude towards his ride

In the 4ACES AYDH Championship for 6 year olds, Revelwood Donatello (Daniella Dierks) gained the Championship after giving Ingrid Klimke the “perfect ride” in the Final and receiving a score of 10 ! Ingrid commenting: “what more could I ask for from a 6 year old horse, it was a pleasure to ride him and I’d like to take him home.”

All three age group Champions presented for the Champion of Champions on Saturday evening, and a large crowd saw Revelwood Donatello ridden by Daniella Dierks crowned the 2011 Dressage Champion of Champions and receive a bundle of prizes:  a PSI rug, a Pessoa saddle from Saddleworld, Ferrero Rocher semen from Revelwood Stud and a Mal Byrne bridle.

This year saw the introduction of a Pony Champion of Champions, thanks to sponsorship from Jill Cobcroft.  Baxters Grand Image and Georgia Welch, the Musto AYDH 5 year old Champions took the honours from the two judges Jill Cobcroft and German young rider Annabel Frenzen, ahead of Penmain Posh and Justine Greer who won the Musto Material Championship for 4 year old ponies.

This year’s young jumping horse entries were the biggest ever, and a keen and appreciative audience could be seen around the arena each day, eager to hear guest star Greg Best providing his expert and insightful analysis of each rider’s performance. Tulara Balouch and Alex Rooney were judged the Jumping Champion of Champions and received the Sky High Perpetual Trophy and a Pessoa saddle from Saddleworld.  They had a convincing win in the Kentaur Saddlery 5year old Championship, winning both rounds leading into the Final and impressing Greg Best with the horse’s outstanding rideability. 

The Greystone 4 year old Championship was easily won by Ally Lamb and Diamond B Corsica who won both of the rounds leading into the Final and finished with a 16 point margin ahead of the next horse.  Second to the imported stallion Now On Top ridden by Melissa Van Den Berge – they also competed in the 4yo Material Championship, and won the Esther Bellis Trophy, donated by The Horse Magazine, for the All Round Young Horse Champion.

The Mansion Hotel & Spa 6 year old Championship was won by Yandoo Lady Gold and Brooke Campbell in a close contest with only a handful of points separating the first three horses.   The Revelwood Stud 7 year old Championship was won by the Irish Sport Horse mare Raylyns Eliza and Stuart Brennan, nearly 10 points ahead of Jingella Delta and Kristy Haworth who were last year’s 6 year old Champion.

Thirty two competitors started in the inaugural ACE Group Grand Prix with just four riders achieving a double clear over the two rounds.  Ulone R and Brook Dobbin won the class, ahead of Olympians Laurie Lever and Cinabar in second place, Russell Johnstone and Borealis Centurion third and the 2008 Champion of Champions, Glenara Bollinger and Melissa Froesch finished fourth.

In the Equestrian Australia & Australian Sports Commission CDI-W competition, Chantal Wigan and Ferero extended their winning streak by winning both the Grand Prix and the Grand Prix Freestyle. They performed an impressive Freestyle test, charming the audience and impressing the judges as they performed to a compilation of Abba music.   Despite a couple of mistakes in their Freestyle they were the only combination to score over 70%, achieving a mark of 71.225%. Chantal commented on the wonderful, and noisy, atmosphere at the event and thanked the crowd !   Second to Mary Hanna on Umbro (68.325%) and third to Gitte Donvig and Port Said 10 with 67.35% 

The Mayfield Farm Prix St Georges Cup for small tour horses was won by Maree Tomkinson and the outstanding mare Diamantina IV after winning both the Prix St Georges and the Inter I Freestyle. Second overall to Wallmeyer (Gina Montgomery) and third to Adlanta Rose and Sara McDonald.

The Hamag CDI-Y was dominated by Megan Bryant and Donnabella, at their first major competition since returning from Germany having represented Australia at the FEI Young Rider World Cup Final in December last year.  They won both classes and were impressive in the Freestyle, achieving 70.7% well ahead of Elliot Paterson and Leandro (66.15%) who were second in both classes.

Full results available from: www.equestrianvictoriaevents.com.au/DJWTS. Click here for more photos from PSI DJWTS and feel freel to login and add your own photos to the gallery!