There is Something About Mary!

Mary Hanna on Sancette (photo: Franz Venhaus)

By: Scott Pollock

The Pessoa Dressage FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI-W was always going to be interesting as last years winner, Maree Tomkinson on Diamantina, would be up against Sheridyn Ashwood and Prestige VDL who won all three GP classes at the 2013 Sydney CDI (which Maree and Diamantina didn't compete at). 

Not only that, the field also included the likes of Mary Hanna, Rozzie Ryan, Heath Ryan and numerous other riders that have been steadily improving over the past year.

As we all know it only takes a couple of small mistakes or a bad day and the results can change dramatically. This is pretty much what happened. By the end of the night, Mary Hanna and Sancette who place 6^th in the Grand Prix CDI-W on Friday managed to secure 1st place with a very exciting ride - full of energy, expression and engagement - together they scored 70.850.

Second went to Sheridyn Ashwood on Prestige VDL, scoring 70.225 and third went to the very correct and entertaining Heath Ryan and his black stallion, Regardez Moi, with a score of 69.550.

Read Scott's full report from Day Four here

Report from Equestrian Australia

Four-time Olympian Mary Hanna has emerged as a contender for the title of Australian Dressage Champion after winning the Grand Prix Freestyle overnight at the Saddleworld Australian Dressage Championships.

Hanna and her London Olympic mount Sancette were sixth in Friday’s Grand Prix and they bounced back from a sluggish start to this event to produce a superior performance in tonight’s showcase event which was rewarded by the judges with a score of 70.85. The four-time Olympian and five time Australian Dressage Champion is pleased with her mount’s performance considering he’s only just come back into work.

“He’s not so fit as he hasn’t been back in work so long, we almost didn’t make the trip but he  was telling me that he wanted to so here we are.”

“He wasn’t at his best yesterday but I was absolutely thrilled with him tonight and I’m really looking forward to him improving even further,” she said.  

The last time that many of these combinations gathered at the indoor arena of the Sydney International Equestrian Centre was at the Sydney CDI where Queensland rider Sheridyn Ashwood was a dominating force. This venue continues to be

a happy hunting ground for Ashwood who backed up her second place in Friday’s Grand Prix with a second place in tonight’s Freestlye.

The battle between husband and wife duo Heath and Rozzie Ryan was as close as it could get with Heath nudging out wife Rozzie by the slenderest of margins. Heath finishing on a score of  69.55, just ahead of Rozzie on 69.50.

Last year’s champion Maree Tomkinson received a score of 68.15 for her test which saw her finish the event in 5^th place.

The title of Australian Dressage Champion will come down to the wire with all eyes now focused on Sunday’s Grand Prix Special which will prove decisive in determining who reigns supreme. 

Quick Links

• Results can be found at www.dressagensw.com.au
• Read a review on Mary Hanna's book 'A Long Rein - An Equestrian Journey'
• Dressage horses for sale on HORSEZONE
• Dressage STALLIONS AT STUD on STALLIONZONE