Cortaflex Tinapai couldn’t even get over a jump on the opening day of the Central Districts Jumping and Show Hunter Championships, but made up for it on the final day of the show with victory in the horse grand prix.
His owner and rider Lucy Akers (Opiki) is well used to the vagaries of riding the 12-year-old gelding, but knows he has the ability to shine – when he decides to.
Together they have won some top titles, so heading home the 13 strong field in the horse grand prix at Foxton was well within his ability.
Three went through to the jump-off. Out first was Akers and Tinapai who went double clear in 35.82 seconds, Next out was Kristina O’Donnell (Palmerston North) and Late Lunch who had a rail and stopped the clock at 40.62. Last into the arena was former Olympian Maurice Beatson (Dannevirke) and My Gollywog who were flying through the early part of the course but slowed up after taking a rail and came home in 42.76.
In the pony grand prix the honours went to Melanie Weal (Te Awamutu) and Hopeful Illusion, who were clear winners in the 16 strong field.
However, it was a lot closer for second and third with Rebecca Porter (Hastings) and Chobidong finishing the jump-off with four faults in 40.17 and the third placed Emily Fraser (Takapau) and Tony the Pony also picking up four faults and coming home in 40.97.
Results -
Horse Grand Prix: Lucy Akers (Opiki) Cortaflex Tinapai 1, Kristina O’Donnell (Palmerston North) Late Lunch 2, Maurice Beatson (Dannevirke) My Gollywog 3, Simon Wilson (Waipukurau) Swinger 4, Claire Wilson (Waipukurau) Tipsey 5, Maurice Beatson (Dannevirke) Shimmel Warrior 6.
Pony Grand Prix: Melanie Weal (Te Awamutu) Hopeful Illusion 1, Rebecca Porter (Hastings) Chobidong 2, Emily Fraser (Takapau) Tony the Pony 3, Polly Gibbs (Levin) Traffic LS 4, Jimmy-James Duncan (Marton) Surprise Illusion 5, Caitlyn Horton (New Plymouth) Limerick’s Black Samba 6.
Young Rider Series: Katlin Pemberton (Palmerston North) Popoloca 1, Timothy Myers (Hawera) Pick Me NPZH 2, Logan Massie (Dannevirke) Kiwi Ludo 3, Jamie Thurlow (Taranaki) Mister Pirate 4.
Caledonian Amateur Rider Series: Kelly Smith (Rongotea) Summer Solei 1, Joanne Denton (Wellington) Merchiston Heathcliffe 2, Barry Beatson (Dannevirke) Sloan Square 3, Hannah Trott (Inglewood) Waka Ahu 4, Laura Knight (Palmerston North) Downwind 5, Philippa Howells (Te Kauwhata) Mr Versatile 6.
STH Pro Amateur Rider Series: Douglas Thomson (Wellington) Marksman Arrow 1, Pearl Delaney-Gridlestone (Wellington) Windale Gracious 2, Lydia Quay (New Plymouth) Kaipara Double D 3, Bernie Illston (Bulls) Valuation 4, Tracy Horton (New Plymouth) HS Licorice Twist 5, Savanah Larsen-Church (Turangi) Midway Whisper 6.
KiwiSpan Junior Rider: Emily Fraser (Takapau) Kiwi Relic 1, Melanie Weal (Te Awamutu) Cross Your Heart 2, Harry Duncan (Marton) Chrialka Dettori 3, Robert Wellwood (Hastings) Insightful 4, Freya Gordon (Hastings) Kaipara Beetle 5, Corie McLean (Feilding) Yippee-Yi-Yo 6.
Fernhill Stud Five Year Old Series: Vicky Wilson (Northland) Cassaro Xtreme 1.
Mitavite Six Year Old Series: Ashley Hart (Hastings) Kiwi Exalt, Robert Wellwood (Hastings) Insightful, Sally Clark (Dannevirke) Victoria’s Secret =1.
Seven Year Old Series: Simon Wilson (Waipukurau) Clearmont MVNZ 1, Savanah Larsen-Church (Turangi) Midway Smooth Dude 2, Lucy Akers (Opiki) Cortaflex Hades 3, Maurice Beatson (Dannevirke) Parker 4, Bernard Denton (Feilding) Horse Sports Wild Card 5, Sarah Jocelyn (Wellington) Curioso 6.
Horse 1.3m championship: Bruce Hone (Rotorua) Shoe Shine Nugget 1, Jamie Howie (Taihape) Obe One Kanobe 2, Chloe Akers (Opiki) Cortaflex Letitbe GNZ 3, Logan Massie (Dannevirke) Kiwi Ludo 4, Katlin Pemberton (Palmerston North) Popoloca 5, Morgan Kirk (Upper Hutt) Kiwi Chocolate 6.
