Thousands of spectators descended on Victoria Park for the first day

Perfect weather conditions and School Holiday calendars aligned for the ResourceCo Community Day as the Racing SA CCI3*-L Dressage got underway on the Gillian Rolton Main Arena.

The first day of competition saw 35 equestrian athletes from around Australia and New Zealand together with their horses showcasing grace, elegance and precision as they performed the first phase of the four-day schedule.

Dressage requires a distinct combination of trust and unity between horse and rider to ensure top points are awarded in this highly meticulous discipline.

The Adelaide Equestrian Festival Chair Greg Rolton said that the family-friendly crowds had been drawn in by perfect weather conditions and the promise of entertainment and first-class eventing.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better start to the Adelaide Equestrian Festival. The crowd was excellent and engaged in the competition, the riders delivered some great Dressage results for our Racing SA CCI3*-L Leader Board and the weather welcomed marketplace shopping and families enjoying the outdoors,” Mr Rolton said.

“It’s an exciting start to the Festival and we look forward to seeing what the 4 and 5 Star Riders deliver tomorrow at Victoria Park. The Adelaide Equestrian Festival really picks up the pace from here as we lead into another day of Dressage before we take to the Park Lands for Cross Country on Saturday.”

Spectators were treated to two live and interactive performances by Golden Guitar winner, performer and horseman Tom Curtain. The excerpt from his Katherine Outback Experience show delivered a blend of demonstrations with horses, dogs and goats, live music and outback storytelling. 

“Tom has an exceptional ability to entertain and educate his audience through the power of music and performance. To be able to deliver the high energy show in a new environment and with a new audience each week is truly remarkable,” Mr Rolton said.  

Racing SA CCI3*-L Dressage Leader Board

First Place: Charlotte Lalak, FAIRBANKS CASINO with 25.4 Penalties

Second Place: Tahlia Pursell, ASTRO NZPH with 28.8 Penalties

Third Place: Georgia Elias, SILVERWOODS AUSSIE PRIDE with 29.4 Penalties