At 20 years old, Ebonie Lee was the youngest entrant in the field when she won Garryowen glory in the event’s 88th year
Not since the 1980s has a first-time entrant in the Garryowen taken out the most prestigious horse competition for women in Australia.
But this year, Ebonie Lee of Whittlesea could not believe her ears when it was announced she had taken out the Garryowen Equestrienne Turnout.
The Garryowen is named in honour of champion horsewoman Violet Murrell of Mentone who was the top female jockey, hunting rider, show jumper and horse exhibitor of her day – having won more trophies than any other woman in the world in the 1920s. She died tragically in a brave attempt to save her horses – including Garryowen – from a fire.
Lee rode Wynara Signature, a six-year-old gelding sired by Wynara Copyright and out of Wynara Simply Irresistible. “Orlando”, as he is known in the stables, has been very successful in his first season of showing, having won at the Royal Adelaide Show last month.
“I basically grew up on a horse’s back,” Ebonie said.
She has been competing at the Melbourne Royal Show since she was three and won the pony turnout when she was 11 before going on to win both the Pemberton Turnout and the K R Luke turnout twice.
Ebonie said that despite this being her first year competing in the Garryowen, she had gained valuable knowledge of the event by helping her two sisters prepare their horses for the event in past years.
Second place was awarded to Upper Gippsland-rider Elizabeth Krog (28), another first time competitor, and third place went to Kyabram’s Jemima Draper (30). The McKinnon Medal for the highest placed rider over 45 years of age was awarded to Melissa Gillies.
