Final countdown to Sydney’s biggest dressage event

The final countdown has begun to Australia’s most prestigious international dressage event, the Sydney CDI, to be held at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre from May 7 to 9.

The event offers equestrian enthusiasts and all those interested in top class international competition the chance to see Australia’s finest dressage horses and riders as they compete for more than $40,000 in prize money.

A record-breaking number of competitors have entered for this year’s event, which begins on Thursday, May 7 with Prix St Georges, Young Rider, Young Horse and Grand Prix competitions.

Lining up for the Shadow Trailers Grand Prix this year is the who’s who of Australian Olympians and World Equestrian Games (WEG) representatives, including Heath Ryan, Rachel Downs, Mary Hanna, Brett Parbery, Maree Tomkinson, and top international competitors Penny Castle and Julie Brougham from New Zealand.

The action continues on Friday, May 8 with the Intermediate, Advanced and Grand Prix for riders under 25 taking place, as well as the Grand Prix Special and Para Equestrian competitions.

But Saturday, May 9 is set to be the biggest night in the Sydney CDI’s 22-year history, as a record crowd is expected to watch the ever-popular Grand Prix Freestyle to music at 8.30pm.

Young Horse Showjumping will also take place throughout the day for four-, five-, six- and seven-year-old showjumpers, with the exciting Accumulator Stakes the highlight of the jumping for the evening beginning just before the Grand Prix at 7pm.

While online ticket sales have now closed, those who missed out will still be able to catch all the action with tickets being sold at the event entrance. Standing room admission applies once all available seating has been sold.

The event will also be live streamed on the web. Those who would like to watch all the action from the comfort of their own living room can log on via the Sydney CDI website and watch for free on Thursday, Friday and part of Saturday, and for a small fee on Saturday after 4pm.

THE EVENT

Mary Hanna competing on Umbro earlier in 2015. Credit: Toni Venhaus.