Shae Hanger celebrates third Garryowen after taking out 2015 title

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Shae Hanger joined an elite, but short list of Australian female equestrian riders today, with her third victory in Australia’s most prestigious female equestrienne event, the Garryowen Equestrienne Turnout.

In a feat only achieved by three other riders in the competition’s 81 year history, Miss Hanger, from Pearcedale, was presented the honour earlier today, with horse Chosen One, on whom she also secured the top prize in 2014, winning on Warwind in 2008.

Only Helen Heagney (1979, 1985, 1987), Vicki Lawrie (previously Ward 1981, 1983, 1984, 1989, 1990) and Caroline Wagner (1992, 1994, 1999, 2004) had achieved three or more Garryowen victories before today.

Conducted annually by the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria (RASV), 37 talented riders competed for the highly sought after accolade at Melbourne Showgrounds this morning in spectacular sunshine.

Miss Hanger, the great-great niece of Violet Murrell, an accomplished rider and jockey for whom the event was named, said the win was especially significant given a short lead time in preparation for the event, having only very recently returned to riding since undergoing surgery.

Speaking immediately after the presentation, Miss Hanger said her horse Chosen One, had also only recently resumed training just over a month ago, making the victory all the more special.

The Garryowen which was first held in 1934, honours Mrs Murrell, who tragically died at age 29 while trying to save her three-time Royal Melbourne Show champion saddle horse, ‘Garryowen’, from a stable fire in 1934.

As the winner of the Garryowen, Miss Hanger received a 9 carat gold diamond encrusted pin valued at $2,000 and generously donated by Sally Murrell-Rich with a custom designed glass dining-ware set from Marguerite Dore, both grandnieces of Mrs Murrell; a watercolour portrait by Jason Roberts of the winning horse; a garland by H&M Garlands and a replica of the perpetual Garryowen trophy.

Second place was awarded to Ali Berwick and her horse France, with third placeawarded to Stephanie Barrington astride SLM Orlando.

RASV CEO Mark O’Sullivan congratulated this year’s winner and said the esteemed event continued to attract some of Australia’s finest female riders.

“On behalf of the RASV, I would like to congratulate Shae Hanger on her incredible achievement of winning a third Garryowen Equestrienne Turnout. The Garryowen is one of the feature equestrienne events during the Royal Melbourne Show each year and continues to attract new and accomplished riders. This event grows year on year and with its rich history RASV is honoured to have presented it for over 80 years,” said Mr O’Sullivan.

Other sash winners included Briony Randle on Entourage in fourth place, Alexa Ward riding OEH Eloquence in fifth place and Penny Ahearn with Montilla in sixth place.

The event is open to female riders aged 18 years and over and a panel of six experts judged each rider and horse on conformation and soundness; manners and paces; saddlery; costume; riding ability; and general appearance.

The Garryowen Equestrienne Turnout was part of the Royal Melbourne Show’s dedicated turnout day, which also included the Esquire, John Lithgow, J. Pemberton and K.G Luke turnouts. The Royal Melbourne Show’s Horses in Action program continues tomorrow with Showjumping from 8:45am.

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