EVENTING News


Kiwis Set the Pace at Oceania Championships in Melbourne
Saturday, 10 June 2017


Kiwi eventers are looking to nab a little history at the end of the dressage in the CCI3*at the Oceania Championships, being held as part of the Saddleworld Melbourne International Three Day Event.

Samantha Felton (Matangi) and Ricker Ridge Pico Boo lead the 29-strong class with 45.2 penalty points; Jock Paget (Taupo) and the well-travelled Angus Blue are second on 46.9; Ginny Thompson (Kaukapakapa) and Star Nouveau are in fourth on 47.1 and Andy Daines (Kumeu) aboard Spring Panorama in ninth on 49.9.

The Equestrian Entries Senior Team have a 17 penalty point buffer over hosts Australia and team manager Eliza Riedel is ecstatic.

“I am just blown away,” she said. “For all four to come out and produce results like this in Australia is just phenomenal.”

Her thoughts are reiterated by coaching team leader Penny Castle.

“They all did blinder tests,” she said. “It is a great start to the three day. All were such a pleasure to watch.”

Both the senior and young rider teams had had a very structured build up to the trans Tasman clash.

“I think we are seeing the results of that today.”

Felton and Ricker Ridge Pico Boo drew praise from everyone during their test, particularly team-mate Paget who thought she should have been five more penalties ahead.

“It felt like one of our best tests yet . . . if not our best ever,” said Felton. “It was one of those tests where you feel in the zone . . . suddenly you feel you have lots of time and everything just flows. It felt very solid.”

She is taking no fence for granted in tomorrow’s cross country.

“I will be aiming to go clear and worry about the time second. We will have the advantage of seeing a few others go first, so that will help.”

Paget was very pleased with the efforts of his “little horse”.

“He has travelled around the world for me, and got on another plane to come here,” said Paget. “It is testament to the horse he is. He is a great little horse with a huge heart.”

However, Paget felt their test was perhaps a “little boring” in places.

“It was flowing enough though. I am very happy with the horse. He went out there and did his job with a great attitude. I am very proud of him regardless.”
He was chuffed too for the rest of the team.

“I am very proud of them. They just kept coming out and banging out their best work. Everyone came out and looked world class.”

Tomorrow’s cross country will be a challenging day for all.

“The questions will come incredibly fast, with a tight time and the ground will be slick,” he said. “It is not like we have 4* questions but the jumps have been positioned in very clever places. It will be difficult to ride fast and answer the questions safely. If you want to be competitive, you need to accept it will be high risk and you do what you can to go clear.

“We have come here to be competitive and we all accept that.”

Thompson was thrilled with the efforts of Star Nouveau, who scored a personal best with their test.

“It was very rideable and harmonious,” she said. “There are a few little things to fix but nothing major. She felt she really tried hard out there.”

Daines felt Spring Panorama was “just amazing”.

“He felt very good out there,” said Daines. “I worked him quite hard in the lead up to rule out any possible tension and I think it worked.”

The all-important cross country, designed by Ewan Kellett, is tomorrow.

The Young Rider Team sit in second place in CCI2* just .6 of a penalty point behind the Australians.

For full results, head to www.bspscoring.com .