Wendi Williamson and Don Amour MH have finished second in the FEI CDI-W Grand Prix at the Serata Equine Victorian Dressage Championships at Boneo Park in Australia.

It was a challenging run into the champs with plane problems meaning 13-year-old Don Amour MH arrived later than expected at the event. “It was certainly an interesting experiment to ride in the Grand Prix after having not worked him since Monday,” says Wendi, “and having travelled and arrived at the 11th hour.”

However, the horse had felt good in the warm up and the first half of the test. “He got a bit tight in the canter and it was frustrating to have mistakes in the coefficient movements which he can usually perform well.”

The Kiwi combo scored 67.261% with the winner Fiona Selby and Tacita on 69.652%. Pauline Carnovale and Captain Cooks were third on 67% in the five-strong field. Wendi said Fiona who had been third at the CDI in Sydney earlier this year had looked very good in the Grand Prix last night.

“It was a disappointing score (for us) but we will give it a shot (in the freestyle) tonight. Don Amour is feeling really good, considering the travel. He’s possibly the best he is felt.” Wendi competes in the FEI Dressage World Cup Pacific League Final Freestyle around 7pm (AUS time) this evening. She and Don Amour MH are fourth to go in the five-strong field. Missing from the classes are strong Australian riders Rozzie Ryan and Lone Joergensen.

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By Diana Dobson – HP Media Liaison
Photos by Rebecca