Sydney competition last chance for Olympic glory

Maree Tomkinson (VIC) and Diamantina IV at the 2015 Sydney CDI 3*. Photo: Franz Vanhaus

Brett Parbery (NSW) riding DP Weltmieser in the Grand Prix at the 2015 Sydney CDI 3*. Brett was the highest-placed Australian rider at Grand Prix level at the 2015 CDI and recent National Championships. Photo: Franz Venhaus

Australia’s top dressage competitors will be looking to secure a start at the 2016 Rio Olympics when they take part in the prestigious Sydney CDI 3* event at Horsley Park. 

To be held at the 2000 Sydney Olympic venue from April 6 to 9, the 2016 Sydney CDI will be the final chance the nation’s top combinations will have to qualify in Australia for the Olympic dressage team.

The event has been scheduled a month earlier than usual in 2016 to allow for Olympic qualification.

Four Australian riders will compete on the team for Rio following the nation’s strong performance at the 2014 World Equestrian Games.

Current members of the national Elite Squad - those combinations identified as in contention for the next major championships including the Olympics - include foreign-based rider Lyndal Oatley, who recently set a new Australian Grand Prix record of  72.800% on Sandro Boy at the Sweden International Horse Trials CDI-W.

But other locally-based squad members, including Victorian Maree Tomkinson on Diamantina IV, will be hoping to score highly on home soil at the Sydney CDI.

Rio Olympics judges, Mexican Maribel Alonso and USA’s Gary Rockwell, will be officiating at the 2016 Sydney CDI alongside fellow judges from Germany, Denmark, France, Hong Kong, Indonesia and Australia.

The event will also include a huge trade and shopping village, first class entertainment and viewing at the Top Spot Marquee for premium ticket holders, merchandise, school and club educational tours, food and bar area.

Christmas gift vouchers for the Top Spot Marquee are currently being offered, with a 10 per cent discount on all purchases made before December 15.

The Saturday evening dinner package includes tickets to the Top Spot Marquee to watch the ever-popular Grand Prix Freestyle, plus special show jumping competitions.

Four-day event passes and day tickets can be purchased online from January 2016.

For more information, go to www.sydneycdi.equestrian.org.au.

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