The Novice 2D which was conducted on the Olympic Arena saw very similar placings as the Novice 2F.  So the experienced judges were of a similar opinion to the Judges presiding over the Novice 2F class.  As mentioned in my report and photos of the 2F competition, I was moving about the rings and did not get all horses in this class.  The pictures are a random selection, but I feel that they give an idea of the high standard of the competition that was seen at this event at Novice level.

Sylvia McLachlan and Belcam Arrival.  The 7 year old gelding is by the Aachen stallion Belcam Aatlantis.

He worked nicely without any real problems but lacked the polish of the higher placed horses.

Ramazzotti the striking imported Hanoverian gelding by Ravallo from Luna performed very obediently and well - a bit more forward would have resulted in a lot more marks.

I am sure Judy and connections would have been a little disappointed,  as the horse has been placing well. 

Their test was without any serious errors but many riders would have realised that only the very active and forward performances scored high marks at the Nationals!

Judy is a dedicated rider, and she will adjust and take into account what she learned at these Championships.

Astonish and Matthew Dowsley - this gelding is by Argentinus and from Belcam Genie.

Astonish is owned by Claudia Harper (as is the winner Cinderella).  Claudia purchased Astonish from Jim Schmul - who purchase the horse as a youngster and Emmie started his early training.

Astonish was bred at Belcam Stud in Queensland - who has great success at these championships with many representatives of their breeding program doing well.

Astonish - certainly has astonishing movement and presence!  He is showing all of the quality that is needed in an FEI dressage prospect ... and looks set to make it to the top level.

It was a great rider by Matthew Dowsley who always gives his rider the chance to shine.

Masuren Wild Feuer and owner rider Caroline Phillpotts travelled from Queensland. 

Wld Feuer is an attractive gelding ... Hanoverian/Trakehner cross by Winterkoenig (imp) from the mare Feuerott.

He did not do enough to earn the high marks, and 56.00% was not enough at this level.  They placed 21st.

Gracefield Great Escape and and Janet Breese.  They scored 53.33% and this was well down in the placings.

Zachary was bred in Victoria by Northern Warmblood Stud and is by Falkland Victory.

He is by the Aachen stallion Aachimedes and they scored 65.33% and came 6th in this class.

Argentinus (sure of Astonish) is the sire of Aachen - so this bloodline really proved its worth in this class.

Congratulations for a great ride!