The second day of competition at the 2026 4CYTE Melbourne International Three-Day Event saw Werribee Park deliver picture-perfect winter conditions for competitors and spectators alike.
An acceptable chilly breeze kept things on theme for Werribee in June, but the sun shone and so too did the dressage performances in the CCI3*L and CCI2* Junior/Young Rider classes.
Emma Bishop partnered with Michael Chamberlain’s beautiful grey, Bobby Dazzler, to take an early lead in the CCI3*L on a score of 29.4, maintaining it throughout the completion of the first phase.
“The atmosphere was certainly the most he [Bobby Dazzler] has ever seen,” says Emma, who was very happy with how the test went. They earned the only sub-30 score of the field.
Having walked Ewan Kellett’s cross country course, Emma admits, “It doesn’t look like it’s going to be a dressage event; we will have our work cut out for sure.” But despite the challenges that lie ahead on Sunday, she is very much looking forward to riding through the beautiful gardens of the mansion. “It’s a real privilege to be able to ride at such a beautiful venue,” she adds.
Just 1.3 penalties separate Emma from Hannah Rockwell aboard Hermes Des Brandieres, also a stunning grey gelding. Hannah is certainly no stranger to success in the dressage arena, having competed to Grand Prix level.
“He was great in the dressage,” says Hannah of Hermes Des Brandieres. “As always, little things can be better, but I’m really happy with how rideable and focused he stayed throughout the test.”
With that all-important focus now turning to the cross country, Hannah felt similarly to Emma: “There’s plenty to jump out there, they’ve built a great track. So many hard-working people make this event come together, it’s always such a privilege to ride at Melbourne.”
Tekira Wilde piloted her own and brother Shea’s El Dorado to hold third place provisionally, trailing Hannah by only 0.5 of a penalty point. The atmosphere had Rambo feeling “a bit tense and spooky” according to Tekira, but she was pleased with how he handled it in the end. “I was really happy with how well he relaxed into his work to produce a lovely test.”
Looking ahead to Sunday, Tekira agrees with her current podium pals that the cross country looks like “a tough but fun track”.
“There are definitely some questions and difficult lines, but I’m super excited to get out there. Melbourne is such a great event, and I always love coming here. It’s a fun weekend for everyone involved and we’re very lucky to be here every year,” she says.
With the consensus amongst the top-placed riders being that the cross country is of both challenge and fun, the CCI3*L class now takes pause with a rest day Saturday and attention will then focus towards Sunday and the hallowed grounds of Werribee Park Mansion and Zoo.
The Off The Track CCI2*L Junior/Young rider class also completed their first phase today, with Aleisha Lorensen and Finch Farm Chrysler holding provisional first place on 28.7 penalties ahead of Lydia Proctor and Sandhills Style on 30.6, with Ella McCrum and Hez All That Jazz third on 31.9.
A debrief from the young riders tomorrow!
The Off the Track CCI2*L saw the first 15 combinations take to the arena today, with the remaining 30 to complete their tests tomorrow morning, followed by the CCI4*L, CCI4*S, as well as the Off The Track CCN1* class for Thoroughbreds competing throughout the day.
Friday also saw the CCI4*L first horse inspection, with Andrew Daines and Hat Trick awarded the Completely Equine Trot Up Best-Dressed award.
Yulong Stud Rising Stars Challenge
The Yulong Stud Rising Stars Challenge took place Friday with the dressage held in the morning and jumping in the afternoon.
Open to Australian Stud Book-registered Thoroughbreds that last raced or trialled within two years of the event, the division runs at EvA80 level and showcases horses at the beginning of their second careers — many of whom could become future stars of Australian eventing.
Sophie Fox and High Torque claimed the win on a total of 84.8; equal tenth after the dressage, they produced the best show jumping result to find themselves at the top of the leaderboard.
Tana Males and Yarrawonga were second on 82.8, while dressage leaders Ethan Height and Culloden Moor finished third on 81.3.
Watch live and on-demand with Horse & Country
Horse & Country will once again livestream the action from both the cross-country (Sunday 7 June) and show jumping (Monday 8 June) phases, allowing equestrian fans to watch live as it unfolds or catch up on demand at their convenience.
Sign up to watch Melbourne International Three-Day Event via H&C+ here.
