As the sun set over Sydney International Equestrian Centre (SIEC), the CSI1* kicked off at Waratah Showjumping this evening. This was the first in a two-part CSI1* Spring Series, with the second to be held at the Sydney Showjumping Club Championships next weekend.

With the wonderful Michael Hease designed course ready to go. and the officials and spectators in place, the excitement started to build.

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The class got off to a great start with the first combination, Izabella Stone and Bandito delivering a faultless round in a time of 73.80, setting the benchmark. Tom McDermott and Carl Aus Pausin followed on their heels, delivering the second clear in a slightly slower time of 75.50. Soon after, we saw Amanda Madigan and Diamond B Vivienne also go clear in 73.06 to take them into the lead at this point in the competition.

Izabella Stone and Bandito

Tom McDermott and Carl Aus Pausin

Amanda Madigan and Diamond B Vivienne

The three early clear round holders were joined by five other combinations, Tom McDermott and Yalambi’s Finnigan (74.49), Coco Dulhunty and Wallaroo Carnival (72.38), Brooke Campbell and Copabella Voltage (71.03), Lachlan Manuel and Nintendro M (70.61) and in a super fast time of 68.03, Jasmine Dennison and Nicolossi.

Jasmine Dennison and Nicolossi.

Twelve combinations were invited back for the second round in a seeded draw. Tom McDermott and Carl Aus Pausin took an early lead with the first double clear in 48.86. Amanda Madigan and Diamond B Vivienne also went clear in 49.07 and Izabella Stone and Bandito in 51.15, neither fast enough to dislodge McDermott from the top spot.

With the final three combinations remaining, Lachlan Manuel and Nintendro M took a rail, pushing them out of contention and it was down to Brooke Campbell and Copabella Voltage and the fastest combination in Round One, Jasmine Dennison and Nicolossi.  Campbell delivered a magnificent clear, taking over a second off McDermott’s time to take the lead. It was up for grabs for Jasmine Dennison and Nicolossi  however it was not to be their night, with a fast time of 43.52, but unfortunately 4 rails down.

Michael Archer and Michael Hease

Congratulations to Brooke Campbell and Copabella Voltage on the win and to all the other placegetters below: