The ESNZ Eventing Super League concluded with the Pryde’s Easifeed CCI3* at the Saddleworld Melbourne International Three-day Event at Werribee Park over Australian Queen’s Birthday weekend, 8-12 June, as the New Zealand Oceania team competing there did not contest the final leg on home soil at the NRM National Three-day Event at Taupo.
Samantha Felton’s second place on Ricker Ridge Pico Boo at Werribee not only helped the New Zealand team to an outstanding win in the Oceania Championships, but propelled her from seventh to third place in the Super League on Pico Boo, relegating stable-mate Ricker Ridge Escada to fourth position.
Ginny Thompson and Star Nouveau’s fourth place at Werribee ensured they retained second place in the League, and while they closed the gap on Donna Edwards-Smith and DSE Mr Hokey Pokey, the lead this diminutive palomino crowd favourite had established in the year long series proved unassailable.
Jock Paget, who won the Melbourne event, had not contested a Super League class in New Zealand, having brought Angus Blue back from the UK when he returned home at the end of last year. The New Zealand thoroughbred, by Senor Pete, had minimal preparation for the Oceania Championships, but Paget said, “I’m very proud of him, he’s travelled all round the world, he’s not very big but he’s got a big heart.”
The fourth member of the team, Andy Daines on Spring Panorama, was unable to add to his Super League points, and dropped a place to sixth after Felton’s rise up the rankings. Daines had the misfortune to be stopped on course after a competitor fell, while the fence was repaired, and was unable to establish his rhythm again, saying, “I was riding backwards from then on.”
Emily Cammock’s win on Shaw Lee in the NRM CCI3* at Taupo in May propelled her up the standings, after limited starts in the South Island, and was just reward for making the long trip from Christchurch with her two small children. She had been thwarted by cancellations on previous trips to the Horse of the Year in March and the Central Districts event in April.
The presentation for all six of the ESNZ Eventing series takes place at the Annual Awards Dinner in Auckland on 1st July.
FINAL RESULTS - ESNZ Eventing Super League:
Donna Edwards-Smith (Te Kauwhata), DSE Mr Hokey Pokey, 207 pts, 1;
Ginny Thompson (Kaukapakapa), Star Nouveau, 171 pts, 2;
Samantha Felton (Matangi), Ricker Ridge Pico Boo, 135 pts, 3;
Felton, Ricker Ridge Escada, 129 pts, 4;
Emily Cammock (Christchurch), Shaw Lee, 114 pts, 5;
Andy Daines (Kumeu), Spring Panorama, 96 pts, 6.
Virginia Caro
