The final event of the year long Bell Tea Super League takes place this weekend at the NRM National Three-day Event at Taupo. The CCI3* class, run under FEI (International) rules, will earn double points, so a good performance from those in contention will be valuable in terms of points as well as dollars.
Following the Trans-Tasman competition in Sydney at the end of April, Auckland accountant Simon Gordon extended his lead with Flertch.com, and the current winner of the Eventing title at the Horse of the Year Show looks set to add another coveted prize to his tally of wins, although they will not be competing at Taupo.
Second placed Ashleigh McKinstry, the kid from the King Country, and Pioneer Makokomiko are also absent, recovering from injury, but this Young Rider cannot be overtaken in the Massey University Young Rider series or the Bell Tea Super League. It is third placed Donna Smith, Te Kauwhata, and Just Chocolate, holding third place, whose position is under threat.
Smith left Just Chocolate in Australia with a prospective new rider following the Sydney CCI3*, but has her promising younger horse, Balmoral Tangolooma, handily placed in sixth position. Tangolooma also made the trip to Australia, and has returned in great shape, older and wiser, ready to take on the best at Taupo.
Also back from Australia and still with petrol in the tank is team captain Bryce Newman, Bulls, and Bates Trademark, who look very threatening in fourth place in the Super League standings. A top performance from them could see this veteran of the eventing world stake a claim to a top three spot and a share of the $10,000 on offer.
Twelve entries will line up in this elite level class at the Fiber Fresh National Equestrian Centre on Thursday for the initial veterinary inspection, followed by dressage on Friday, cross-country on Saturday, and showjumping on Sunday.
- Virginia Caro
