Canada Wins Individual Silver and Team Bronze at Sydney CDI3* Invitational in Australia

Ontario's Chris von Martels won Individual Silver in the International Prix St. Georges Derby at the Sydney CDI3* being held in Australia April 28 to May 1, 2005. The event, hosted at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre at Horsley Park, site of the 2000 Olympic Games, is the only CDI3* held in Australia each year.

Riding Northern Tyson, a 13-year-old 16.2hh Warmblood gelding owned by Jenny Beechey of Australia, von Martels was awarded a score of 65.850 per cent in the class of 10 with president of the ground jury, Eric Lette (SWE) as well as Lilo Fore (USA), giving the pair first place ordinals with scores of 68.250 and 68.000 per cent respectively.

Quebec's Veronique Lavallee placed 10th in the class mounted on Turandot, a 17-year-old 15.2hh Warmblood gelding owned by Bev Healy of Australia, on a score of 56.950 per cent.

 Australia's Glennis Barrey won the class aboard Groover with a final score of 66.200 per cent.

Canada's results placed the team in the Bronze medal position, with Great Britain receiving Silver and Australia grabbing the Gold. The judging panel included Erice Lette (SWE), Lilo Fore (USA), Mary Seefried (AUS), Joy Charlton (AUS) and Kathinka De Monchy (NZL), who judged riders from Australia, Great Britain, Canada, New Zealand and the United States.

Both von Martels, of Ontario, and Lavallee, of Quebec, are alumni of the Young Rider program. Lavallee won a Team Silver Medal at the 2004 North American Young Riders Championships (NAYRC), riding Evi Strasser's Pryme Tyme. von Martels made the move in 2004 to the Prix St. Georges/Intermediaire I ranks with Susan Smith's Top of Magic.Both are 2005 Dressage Canada Long Listed riders.

Due to Australia's strict quarantine requirements and the high cost of air transportation, the organizing committee invited owners to loan their Prix St Georges/Intermediaire I level horses to the visiting international riders. The international Dressage Derby is the most exciting event of the competition. All the riders start on equal terms and draw the name of the horse they will compete on out of a hat. Riders have just 3 days to become accustomed to their new horse.

Dressage Canada, as a committee of Equine Canada, is the National governing body for Dressage in Canada. Dressage Canada's objective is to foster the growth of Dressage and the pursuit of excellence in the sport at the local, national and international levels. Dressage Canada provides support and guidance to both amateur and professional through the following programs: coaching education and programs, officials education and programs, rules & qualifying criteria, sport development, publications & awards. For more information about Dressage Canada email info@dressagecanada.org,  or visit us online at www.dressagecanada.org.