Veteran eventer Bryce Newman, Bulls, won the top class at the Fiber Fresh National Equestrian Centre, Taupo, over the weekend, riding his mother-in-law Fay McSweeney’s Bates Trademark, to take the early lead in the ESNZ Eventing Super League.
Newman was second after the dressage phase scoring 54.8 penalties, and showjumped clear on Saturday but with 1 time penalty, then appeared unhurried as he went clear across country on Sunday with 10 time penalties for a final score of 65.8.
Dannie Lodder, Auckland, rode Petra Eatson’s Moochi into second place, moving up from fifth after the dressage to lie third overnight despite having a showjumping rail down and 2 time penalties. They looked confident across country, completing with 11.2 time penalties on a final score of 74.9.
2013 Eventer of the Year, Simon Gordon, Auckland, and Fletch.com produced the only fault-free showjumping round, adding no penalties to their third placed dressage score of 55.4 to hold the overnight lead, but cruised around the CIC3* (short format) cross-country incurring 20.4 time penalties to finish third on a final score of 75.8.
Six of the seven starters completed the event, with dressage leaders Angela Lloyd, Auckland, and Song dropping out of contention after running off a huge corner fence early on the cross-country course.
Donna Smith, Te Kauwhata, withdrew Tangolooma, the national three-day event title holder, after a boot rub became infected during the week, rendering the horse ineligible due to medication. They will now go to the Adelaide CCI4* (long format) next month without a prior run, but Smith is confident they will be ready.
Meanwhile at Mcleans Island, Christchurch, Sam Taylor, Swananoa, on Leo Degas won the battle of the Canterbury veterinarians, leading from go to whoa. Sophie Wigley, Amberley, riding Brent Jury’s SE Big, was the only other starter in the CNC3*.
ESNZ EVENTING SUPER LEAGUE
Standings after 2 events (Taupo and Christchurch)
Bryce Newman (Bulls), Bates Trademark, 69 pts; Dannie Lodder (Auckland), Moochi, 61.5 pts; Sam Taylor (Swananoa), Leo Degas, 46 pts; Simon Gordon (Auckland), Fletch.com, 9 pts; Campbell Draper (Putaruru), Kahurangi Manu, 9 pts; Sophie Wigley (Amberley), SE Big, 6 pts.
Virginia Caro
