RYAN EDGES OUT DIERKS IN 2016 NSW DRESSAGE CHAMPIONSHIPS FREESTYLE

Heath Ryan and Utopian Cardinal compete at the 2016 NSW Dressage Championships. Picture: Franz Venhaus

By: Krystyna Pollard

Heath Ryan has edged out Judy Dierks in a nail-biting finish to the popular Grand Prix Freestyle event at the 2016 NSW Dressage Championships. 

Ryan, riding Anthony Thornhill's Utopian Cardinal, achieved a technical score of 69.60% and an artistic score of 71.60% from the five judges to clinch victory in the Equestrian NSW FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI-W with a total 70.60%.

The score was just 0.35% ahead of Judy Dierks on Vicki Newham's Diamond Star, who received a technical score of 67.30% and artistic score of 73.20% for a total of 70.25%.

It was a reversal of the outcome from the previous day, where Dierks claimed the Mulawa Performance Grand Prix CDI-W with 69.080% ahead of Ryan's 67.6%.

The last time a CDI-W was at the NSW Dressage Championships was in 2004. The CDI-W is a qualification event for the Pacific League World Cup Final that will be held in New Zealand in February 2017.

International judges Lilo Fore (USA), Sue Hobson (New Zealand) and Olivier Smeets (Belgian) officiated at the championships alongside Australians Mary Seefried - fresh from sitting on the Rio Olympics Judges Supervisory Panel – and Susan Hoevenaars.

More than 275 horses guided by 215 riders entered this year's championships, which enters the final day today (Sunday) at Sydney International Equestrian Centre (SIEC) at Horsley Park.

On the competition program today is the Open Preliminary, Open and Amateur Owner/Rider (AOR) Medium, Grand Prix Special and Para Equestrian Championships.

Spectators are welcome, and entry to the venue is free.

For more information, log onto www.dressagensw.com.au.

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