By Alana Mitchelson
PAKENHAM’s Briony Randle has won this year’s prestigious Garryowen Equestrienne Turnout on board former racehorse Entourage.
The competition held by the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria (RASV) as part of the Horses in Action program sees 29 talented riders compete for the highly sought Garryowen accolade at the Royal Melbourne Showgrounds every year.
The 33-year-old who has had a passion for horse riding before she could walk had secured third place at last year’s event.
The horse and rider combination were also victorious in last year’s Racing Victoria Pope Cup, another of the feature classes at the show.
“It feels pretty amazing. The Garryowen is always something I’ve wanted to win. It’s been a goal every year, and I’ve tried on six other occasions,“ Ms Randle said.
“There are six expert judges marking you on a number of different areas, and you have to make sure everything is just right – your costume, your saddlery, your riding ability and your horse’s performance. Everything has to be immaculately clean.
“It takes a while to perfect everything. A lot of people thought I might get close to winning this year. I was on one of the best horses out there, but it was a cold morning and things can go wrong. In the end, he has to perform well on the day.”
The Garryowen was first held in 1934 in honour of Violet Murrell who tragically died at age 29 while trying to save her three-time Royal Melbourne Show champion saddle horse Garryowen from a stable fire in 1934.
RASV CEO Mark O’Sullivan said the Garryowen event was one of the highlights of the Royal Melbourne Show this year.
“The Garryowen is the most prestigious female riding event in the country, so it attracts the very best female equestrienne riders,” Mr O’Sullivan said.
“We congratulate all participants in today’s event, as the quality of competition was outstanding. We are delighted to present Briony the winner, who will join a list of exceptionally talented riders.”
Briony received a nine-carat gold diamond-encrusted pin, a custom designed glass dining-ware set and a trophy among other prizes.
Her horse Entourage won this year’s off-the-track series state titles and has qualified to compete at the off-the-track national final at Werribee Park in late November.
