Maree Tomkinson and Diamantina Win 2016 CDI Boneo Grand Prix

Maree Tomkinson and Diamantina Win 2016 CDI Boneo Grand Prix
Australia's Maree Tomkinson has overcome a strong field to win the Grand Prix at the CDI Boneo. Aboard her WEG-horse, Diamantina (by Diamond Hit), the Australian team rider won the class with a total of 70.120%.

New Zealand's Julie Brougham and Vom Feinsten placed second, coming close with 68.720%, AS such they secured their third Olympic qualifying score to contribute to their Rio selection. Four-time Olympian Mary Hanna brought two horses to the event and they finished third and fourth. Her more experienced horse Umbro received a score of 68.220% while her Grand Prix newcomer Boogie Woogie was awarded 67.720%.

Tomkinson said it was good to be competing outdoors and in conditions which favoured her horse. “She’s a lot better and much happier outside. We’re incredibly lucky to be competing outside because normally at this event we are inside. Outdoors and in big arenas, that is where she shines,” said Tomkinson.

For Australian Olympic team nomination a short list of eight horse and rider combinations will battle it out at two European nomination events in a bid to secure one of four Australian team positions. This list of eight will be selected in April and will be determined by calculating an average of each eligible combination’s best two results from the Grand Prix at CDI-Ws, CDI3*, 4* or 5* events during the period 22 September to 10 April 2016. With riders located around the globe including Australia, Europe and the US, competition for these coveted positions is sure to be fierce.