Australia's dressage riders wow the crowds

The cries of 'Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi' were proudly echoing in France today as the Australian dressage riders produced outstanding performances on day 1 of the World Equestrian Games.

Maree Tomkinson and Lyndal Oatley kick started the Aussies campaign, shining through in what was a very wet day in Caen.

Australian Dressage team debutante Maree Tomkinson has got the team off to an amazing start on day one of the FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) 2914, with a stunning ride by Diamantina 4 to finish with a score of 69.3.

The Australian fans erupted in the stadium in Caen, France as Tomkinson rode on the biggest sporting stage of her career. Emotion overcame the 41 year old as the realisation of her accomplishment set in.

"At the end it was just beautiful – it was a clean, correct test. She felt really good throughout the whole test.

"When it's on the world stage it is just different. Hardest thing to remember when you're out there is to just take one second to appreciate where you are – and she (Diamantina) stood still and just went 'this is where I should be'.

"It's not just about the eight minutes, it's the whole journey to get here. I love it that I've had her since she was four... it just add another level of reward.

"Having all the Australians out there was just so fantastic – they were just so great," said Maree.

It was an intense lead in to the start of the test, with Diamantina not too keen to go into the tunnel. But as Maree said, that's just her!

"I knew once she got in there I needed to say, 'now you just stay with me and we're together here'. It wasn't that big a deal because that is just her – it would have been nice for her to just come straight through but that's just her.

Next up for the Australians today will by Lyndal Oatley and Sandro Boy. Kristy Oatley and Mary Hanna will take centre stage on Tuesday 25th August.

Lyndal Oatley and Sandro Boy followed suit to post an excellent score of 70.6 - despite the heavens opening just during the test.

"We nick named him (Sandro Boy) Storm Boy cause he always brings the rain with him. Sorry Normandy," joked Oatley.

"The pressure is always on when you're representing your country but I went out to do a safe test and that's what we did.

"We've been so focused on this I'm looking forward to getting home to Australia to spend time with family and friends," she said.

Tomorrow will see remaining team mates Kristy Oatley & Mary Hanna take centre stage for the Aussies.

Team Results