Jess Stones with Mikimoto, winner of the Garryowen Equestrienne Turnout 2019

Jessica Stones won the prestigious 85th Garryowen Equestrienne Turnout riding Mikimoto, at the 2019 Royal Melbourne Show.

Conducted annually by The Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria (RASV) as part of the Horses in Action Program, 34 talented riders competed for the prestigious honour in front of a packed grandstand, at Melbourne Showgrounds.

This is Jessica’s first win of the Garryowen Equestrienne Turnout after previously placing second twice.

“It means a lot to me to win the Garryowen Equestrienne Turnout at the Royal Melbourne Show. I have been trying for a number of years, I was second twice on two different horses and it’s great to win today riding Mikimoto” Mrs Stones said.

Second place was awarded to Stephanie Barrington riding Rebelle. Third place was awarded to Brynie Lee on Sim Valentino, who also took home Best First Year Rider after an impressive workout.

RASV CEO Paul Guerra said the event is the most prestigious female riding event in the country and one of the highlights of Royal Melbourne Show’s 11 day program.

“The Garryowen Equestrienne Turnout has a long and prestigious history of recognising the country’s best female riders and we are delighted that Jessica has won in its 85th year in front of such a large crowd at the Royal Melbourne Show” said Mr Guerra.

Other sash winners included Ali Berwick on Rolex II in fourth place, Georgia Kellock on Belcam Coralline in fifth place and Rebecca Crane on Federer in sixth place.

The event is open to female riders aged 18 years and over and a panel of six experts judged each rider and horse on conformation and soundness; manners and paces; saddlery; costume; riding ability; and general appearance. Five out of the six judges were past Garryowen winners and this year’s winner takes home over $10,000 in prizes.

The Garryowen Equestrienne Turnout is part of the Royal Melbourne Show’s dedicated turnout day, which also included the Esquire, John Lithgow, J. Pemberton and K.G Luke turnouts.

In the John Lithgow Equestrienne Turnout, Sim Valentino ridden by Brynie Lee were awarded first place, with Supreme ridden by Stephanie O'Connor taking second place. Rebekah Carrolan on Aston Martin II took first place in the Esquire Turnout and Stephanie O’ Connor on Supreme was awarded second place.

First place in the K.G. Luke Equestrian turnout was awarded to Kate Kyros on Federer, with Tahlia Young riding Elmdale Park Hightime named in second place.

In the J. Pemberton turnout, Aida Natale riding Lily’s Pageant were awarded first place honours, with Ella O’ Doherty riding Loriot Breaking Dawn named in second place.

This year’s FEI World Cup MER event contributes towards riders qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics. Thomas Mcdermott riding Alpha Activity took out this prestigious competition.

Full results of all RASV’s turnout events can be viewed online at rasv.com.au