EVENTING News


Penultimate Eventing Super League Competition
Wednesday, 29 April 2015


The penultimate event in the year long ESNZ Eventing Super League takes place this weekend at the Central Districts Horse Trials at Pukemarama, the McKelvie family property near Tangimoana, in the Manawatu. A field of nine starters will contest the top class in preparation for the final event, the NRM National Three-day Event at Taupo, 15-17 May.

Francesca Silver (Martinborough) on Case In Point is the highest placed combination on the Super League leader-board, holding 7th equal position, but a good result in the Norwood Farm Machinery CIC3* class could see her rocket up the order, as three of the six above her will not be at Taupo.

Leader Fraser King on Nadal KSNZ are contesting the Luhmuhlen CCI4* in Germany in June, second placed Donna Smith’s Tangolooma is rehabilitating after injury, and Emily Cammock took Dambala, who was fourth equal after winning the Eventer of the Year title at the Farmlands Horse of the Year Show, to the Kentucky CCI4* in April.

The New Zealand Young Rider and Junior Rider eventing titles are also being contested at this event, with both classes earning bonus points in their respective series, being national titles. Local rider Abigail Long has a clear lead in the Young Rider series on BMW Advokaat, and could extend that lead with a good performance in the twelve strong Young Rider Championship class.

She has been named in the NZ Young Rider team which will contest the Oceania Championships against the Australian Young Rider team at Taupo, along with Tayla Mason (Waikanae), on Lucy With Diamonds or Royalty, Sarah Young (Tokoroa) on Regal Romar or SS Galaxy, and Bonnie Farrant (currently studying at Massey University) on Kaipara Dior, all of whom are contesting the Young Rider title.

The Junior Rider title has attracted thirteen contestants, including former winners Samantha Mynott and Vicky Browne-Cole, both from Auckland, and well performed South Islander Lucy Turner. The Alltech Junior series is a close contest, and with the current leader, Maria van Kujik on Antara Whiskey Mac, not competing, there is sure to be change at the top.

Virginia Caro