Five-time Australian Olympian Mary Hanna levelled-up on Monday, with a record-breaking CDI4* dressage score at Willinga Park’s Dressage by the Sea.
Following on from a Grand Prix Special win on her Westphalian mount, Syriana on Sunday (70.213%), the five-time Olympian, partnered with beautiful KWPN mount Calanta, achieved a life-time personal best AND a new best-score for Grand Prix Freestyle in Australia of 76.205%.
Mary’s score has beaten the record previously set by fellow Olympian Ricky MacMillan (75.27%), which was held for over 16 years.
“Yes, it has been an exciting week,” says Mary, “I am thrilled with the performance of both horses. However, I can honestly say, I don’t set out to beat any records, but just want to concentrate on riding my horses to the best of their, and my ability.”
“If records are broken on the way, then that is a great bonus.”
But Mary doesn’t have time to rest on her laurels, with Willinga Park’s Dressage by the Sea second CDI4* Event still to come, running 28th February – 1st March.
“We are so lucky to have two 4* shows at such an amazing venue, with some of the world’s best judges. I really want to make the most of this opportunity,” explains Mary.
Currently, her two rides, Syriana and Calanta, are the highest-ranked Australian combinations on the FEI world rankings, sitting at positions 140 and 142 respectively.
On behalf of her fellow committee, Prue Spurrett, Chair of the Equestrian Australia National Dressage Committee (EADC) is excited by this “super momentum heading into Tokyo 2020”.
Mary is making the most of the opportunity she is currently in, with laser-like focus ahead of the next round of competition.
“Right now, I am not thinking of it [her record-breaking win] so much, but more trying to concentrate on the next show here at Willinga and preparing for that. There is always room for improvement, and that’s what we must strive for,” shares Mary.
The EADC is rapt with Mary’s success. “Congratulations Mary,” says Prue on behalf of the committee, “with that sixth Olympics in the sights, we’re all wishing you the very best in your lead-up campaigns.”
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