Melbourne Royal crowns its 90th Garryowen winner
Australia’s most prestigious women’s riding event, the Garryowen Equestrienne Turnout, crowns its 90th winner
Melbourne’s Stephanie Barrington takes out the Garryowen Equestrienne Turnout for a second time
Australia’s most revered equestrian event, the Garryowen Equestrienne Turnout marked its 90th year today. Steeped in tradition and prestige, the Garryowen Equestrienne Turnout has been the pinnacle of horse ring events at Melbourne Royal Show since 1934, contested by the most decorated saddle horses and top lady riders from around Australia each year.
The Garryowen Equestrienne Turnout is named after champion thoroughbred saddle horse Garryowen, whose owner (trailblazing female jockey, hunter, and showrider) Violet Murrell died trying to save him from a stable fire. Today, 30 entrants were judged on their horse’s manners, paces, soundness and conformation, as well as their own riding, saddlery, and general appearance. The latter being historically accurate riding attire from boot to bridle, including a fresh white gardenia worn in the lapel buttonhole in a mark of respect to Violet Murrell.
WINNER AND RESULTS
Melbourne-based Stephanie Barrington won the 2024 Garryowen on Global PPS (produced by Romsey Park), a magnificent gelding acquired by his rider as a yearling. The pair have since gone on to claim hack titles at major events including the Sydney Royal Easter Show. Barrington previously won the Garryowen in 2011 on retired thoroughbred racehorse, LA.
“I won the Garryowen in 2011 on LA and that was a life changing moment. But today is truly one of the best days of my life,” Barrington beamed. “I just love him [Global PPS aka Harry] so much, I couldn’t have asked for anything more of him out there.
“He’s the ultimate showman. He never once has let me down in the ring and when you have a partnership like that with a horse, it’s pretty special. I think that partnership epitomises the competition.
“Every year is very special, riding at Melbourne Royal in Violet’s honour. This year in particular was so special, being the 90th year and getting to ride on beautiful Harry. He is my best friend. He knew it was his day, and this arena was his stage. He took it all in his stride, the atmosphere, the tradition, he loves it.
“So many hours go into being out there for just one and half minutes, and to have nothing go wrong and to bring it home is the ultimate,” Barrington said.
South Australian competitor Kate Halliday took second place on her striking 17hh warmblood Kalimna Quick Hit, owned by Tahlia Hope. Known as Kevin in the paddock, the pair have achieved many major titles together including Grand National Champion Large Hack earlier this year.
First year competitor, Whittlesea’s Tamara Lee made her mark, taking third place as well as earning the accolade of best first year competitor. Lee rode retired thoroughbred Wynara Signature, who was ridden to victory in the Garryowen by her sister last year.
The highest placed Off The Track thoroughbred was won again by Natalie McKay on St Andrews. Bred in New Zealand, ‘Andy’ had 30 starts for five wins, and raced until he was eight years old, before starting a successful showing career.
Chair of Melbourne Royal’s Horses in Action committee, Bernie Hearne said:
“The Garryowen is hard work for all of the competitors, but it’s also in memory of such a wonderful horse woman who gave up her life to try and save her horse,” Hearne said.
“It’s a prestigious event and even more special on this occasion being a 90th year celebration.”
For more information on the history of the Garryowen Equestrienne Turnout, please click here.
