Kiwis impress at Equitana

New Zealand's most experienced dressage rider has impressed plenty at the Equestrian Grand Final at Equitana in Sydney.

Athens Olympian Louisa Hill (Auckland) and the rather inexperienced Bates Antonello were victorious with 68.468% in the grand prix, giving them not just the win but perhaps more importantly a mark that meets the strict London Olympics criteria set down by Equestrian Sports New Zealand and the New Zealand Olympic Committee.

She back that up late last night (Saturday) with a second placing in the grand prix freestyle with 70.275% - which doesn't count towards London.

Vanessa Way (Taranaki) and KH Arvan also had a brilliant weekend at the high-ranking event, placing fifth in the grand prix with 64.915% and fourth in the freestyle with 68.8%.

Nicky Pope (Auckland) and Fabarachie scored 59.574% and 61.875% respectively.

It was just a week ago that the trio made history for New Zealand when they qualified a dressage team for the London Olympics.

Equitana is one of the highlights on the Australian calendar, and this year introduced the Equestrian Grand Final which brought together elite athletes from all the Olympic disciplines of dressage, showjumping and eventing. It was expected to attract more than 50,000 spectators over the four days.

Results -

CDI-W grand prix freestyle: Heath Ryan (AUS) Regardez Moi 71.950% 1, Louisa Hill (Auckland/NZL) Bates Antonello 70.275% 2, Chantal Wigan (AUS) Ferero 69.475% 3, Vanessa Way (Taranaki/NZL) KH Arvan 68.8% 4, Nicky Pope (Auckland/NZL) Fabarchie 61.875% 12.

Grand prix: Louisa Hill (Auckland/NZL) Bates Antonello 68.468% 1, Heath Ryan (AUS) Regardez Moi 66.319% 2, Chantal Wiggin (AUS) Fereo 65.553% 3, Rozzie Ryan (AUS) GV Bullwinkle 65.000% 4, Vanessa Way (Taranaki/NZL) KH Arvan 64.915% 5, Tor Van Den Berge (AUS) Fishermans Friend 63.957% 6, Nicky Pope (Auckland/NZL) Fabarachie 59.574% 12.