Sun-filled skies shone over 300 rounds of jumping as SRSJC celebrated its tenth Annual Championships.
Above: Patersons Plate Grand Prix placetters, l to r: Chaise Ludgate (BBD Centrefold); Maddison Stephen (Yalambi’s Grazi); Sophie Ahmat (Secrets NZPH); Chelsea McInnes (Diamond B Vigo); Caitlin Bolger (Oaks Vendetta); John Vallance (course designer); David Dobson (Concorde Ego Z); Murray McGill (Director, Patersons Securities).
The large grass arena at the State Equestrian Centre proved the perfect site for two days of spectacular jumping that combined height classes with SRSJC’s club championships and EWA-sponsored competitions. “John Vallance (FEI-4/NSW) designed challenging but fair courses throughout the weekend,” commented SRSJC Chair, Suzanne McGill, “and we felt especially fortunate having him with us at our 10th anniversary event.” Nearly 100 guests in the VIP Marquee watched top jumping during the club’s traditional tapas lunch on Sunday. “We’ve got exceptional sponsor support and it was a brilliant day for guests to watch outstanding performances over John’s tracks.”
David Dobson threw weight behind two classes on Saturday and two on Sunday dominating four classes on his own and other owners’ horses – including Daisy Scott’s Pico Bello-bred gelding, Pico Bam, in the LaNoir 1.15m Open and the Eric Lloyd Photo 1.20-1.25m on Young Equestrian’s Oaks Valentina. On Sunday, he took out the penultimate prize that had eluded him previously, winning his first Patersons Plate on Concorde Ego Z, the former stallion he co-owns with Oaks Sporthorses’ Alice Cameron.
“We don’t get to design many three-round competitions like the Patersons Plate,” John Vallance commented about the grand prix class, which tested the fitness of the 12 horses jumping 1.40m in the first round, 1.40-1.50m in the second round and 1.50m in the third round jump off between Concorde Ego Z, Oaks Vendetta (2nd, Caitlin Bolger), Diamond B Vigo (3rd, Chelsea McInnes).
In addition, SRSJC’s annual Hi Points winners were announced on Sunday:
Junior Rider (Sponsor: Bindoon Tractors): Chloe Versteegen
Young Rider (Sponsor: Brigadoon Produce): Lucinda Bunning
Senior Rider (Sponsor: Dark Selections): Spook March
Other winning performances:
Pit N Portal 1.05m Open: Rick Dabner on Isabella Smith’s Cavalier Chilly
Beluga Equestrian Stud-EWA Jumping Novice: Debbie Greenwood on Snowy River Million Dollar Baby
NG Equine SRSJC Junior Jumper: Angus Donovan on Noblewood Park Conchetta
Patersons Securities 1.30-1.35M Open: Chelsea McInnes on Diamond B Vigo
LJ Hooker Commercial SRSJC Young Rider Championship: Sophie Ahmat on Tsarina Van de Wolfsaaker
Quickmail SRSJC Speed Stakes: Kate Ingham on Darryl Bagley’s Springfield Caesarina
EquineWorld Amateur Championships/Triple Crown Qualifier: Matilda O’Connor on Told u So
Two Queens SRSJC 1.20m Open: Lucinda Bunning on Fairway Park AJ
Jakoma Equestrian- EWA Bronze Qualifier: Ben Wilson on Bondi Beach
Dr Kathy Klein 1.30m Mini Prix: David Dobson on Barrabadeen Halifax
For full results, please see RESULTS.