Rachael Sanna – Record Holder of the Sydney CDI

When you look at the history of the Sydney CDI 3*, Rachael Sanna (nee Downs) has won more classes than any other rider. Since 1992, Rachael has won twenty classes. In 1997 and 1998, Rachael on Yardley Charisma won all the big tour classes. This is yet to be beaten.

Rachael has represented Australia at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games (Australia finished sixth in the Dressage Teams event), competed at the 2002 World Equestrian Games in Spain and at the 1999 World Cup Final in Germany. In 2010, Rachael riding Jaybee Alabaster, were part of the Australian Dressage Team at World Equestrian Games in Kentucky.
Rachael is renowned for her calm riding. I remember watching one of her first Grand Prix tests on Jaybee Alabaster. Jaybee Alabaster got a quite hot but within seconds Rachael had him back under control. Rachael doesn’t get flustered when things go wrong. She re-focuses, stays calm and gets on with the job - a true sign of an accomplished competitor.

Jaybee Alabaster is owned by Bev Edwards from Jaybee Equestrian farm in Queensland. The beauty of this horse is the way he leaves the ground. He is extremely light on his feet and Rachael makes it look so easy. The transitions can be seamless as Rachael quietly guides the big chestnut around the arena.

“At the Sydney CDI 3* I will be competing Alabaster in the Grand Prix, Grand Prix Special and Grand Prix Freestyle. I have been riding him for 4 years now. He has a super temperament for training and competing. A little electric at times but always trying.”

In the five year old Young Horse Class, Rachael is riding Chatham Park Albert, who is sired by Jaybee Alabaster out of her retired Grand Prix mare Yardley Aphrodite, both horses have represented Australia. This horse obviously means a lot to Rachael. “He’s known as the family pet because he’s so loveable. He tries very hard for a young horse and is showing great potential for Grand Prix. The Young Horse Classes are important as the horses can the chance to be exposed to a larger atmosphere and big arenas.”

Many riders change trainers but Rachael has stayed loyal to Australia’s most renowned trainer, Clemens Dierks. “I have trained with Clemens for about 20 years. Clemens and his wife Judy have been mentors for me since I was 15. Clemens has been by my side for every International event I have represented Australia in; on four different horses over the years. My mum, Nerida Downs, is also my eyes on the ground. Mum watches me train at least 5 days a week. She’s always at the competitions at home and overseas, helping me on the ground and also helping to look after my children.”

Rachael is also aiming for the 2012 London Olympic Games with Jaybee Alabaster and will be heading to Europe for the summer show season. “A base in Europe has not yet been organised, but will become clearer closer to the time. It’s all very exciting!”

Like most Australian riders, Rachael feels the Sydney CDI 3* is the biggest competition of the year along with the National Championships.

It’s about to begin – three days of International competition at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre. Don’t miss it! All results will be available at www.sydneycdi.com

Source: Scott Pollock  Photo: Franz Venhaus