NZ EQUESTRIAN News


Wilson Wins the Ribbon and Takes the Sweepstake
Sunday, 30 November 2014


Equestrienne mum of two Claire Wilson won more than just the red ribbon in the Country TV Horse Grand Prix at the Clarke and Co Wellington Horowhenua Showjumping Champs in Foxton today.

Aboard her lovely little mare McMillans Tipsey, Wilson (Waipukurau) headed home 15 other combinations to take the class over the Heather McDonald (Dannevirke) designed course.

Seven came through to the jump-off, with Wilson’s mid-field 50.78 second effort proving unbeatable. Jamie Howie (Taihape) and Obeone Kanobe went close, notching the fastest time of the round but took a rail in their haste and had to settle for fifth.

Last to go in the jump-off were Lucy Akers (Opiki) and Tinapai who gave a very good nudge but came up just short in 50.88 to take second place.

While Wilson won the class, she also won the family truck’s sweepstake for the show. Each of the riders and grooms in the Wilson truck take a horse each, and the winner gets a chocolate sundae on the way home.

“I knew I had to win to take the sundae,” said Wilson.

She was also more than a little distracted during the class, having to keep tabs on her son Tim who was competing in a nearby ring. Both Wilson children – Tim and Anna – are heading home with ribbons tonight.

“It’s a great show,” said Wilson. “The group here have done a super job.”

She had plenty of praise for the other contestants in the grand prix.

“I think I just got a little lucky,” she said.

However, Tipsey won her last grand prix start and has enjoyed plenty of success at Foxton over the years, so maybe it wasn’t just a lucky round.

Local combination Shanae McKay and her gorgeous little grey continued their good form in winning the Pony Grand Prix. Sixteen started the class with five going through to the jump-off but McKay was way too good, flying home 10 seconds ahead of second place. She was also fourth on her pony Kabo So Far.

Results -

Country TV Horse Grand Prix: Claire Wilson (Waipukurau) McMillans Tipsey 1, Lucy Akers (Opiki) Tinapai 2, Jamie Howie (Taihape) Zalula 3, Jesse Linton (Hastings) Strathcarron Zaurak 4, Jamie Howie (Taihape) Obeone Kanobe 5, Maurice Beatson (Dannevirke) Centrico 6.

Versatile Buildings Wellington Pony Grand Prix: Shanae McKay (Levin) Guthrie 1, Tom Moffett (Hastings) Tane Mahuta 2, Zoe Strawbridge (Hastings) Roo Baloo 3, Shanae McKay (Levin) Kabo So Far 4, Olivia Ahlborn (Hastings) Aorangi Ragtime 5, Will Moffett (Hastings) Utu 6.

Xtreme Performance Stallions Pro Amateur: Tim Pearce (Marton) De Becker 1, Sally Clark (Dannevirke) Victoria's Secret 2, Geordie Bull (Taupo) Forest Hill 3, Laura Knight (Palmerston North) Sir Arthur 4, Todd Gloyn (Palmerston North) Air Hill Bambi 5, Trevor Pearce (Wairarapa) Kiwi Lotto 6.

Cubitt Sporthorses 1.35m Championship: Duncan McFarlane (Taupo) NZ Powerfull 1, Anna Stephen (Martinborough) Constantine 2, Emily Hayward-Morgan (Te Awamutu) AP Ninja 3, Oliver Edgecombe (Waipukurau) Ultra Blue NZPH 4, Claire Wilson (Waipukurau) McMillans Clearmont 5, Molly Bennett (Wairoa) Landsman GNZ 6.

Caledonian Amateur Rider: Natasha Mazey (Wellington) Kabo Lunar 1, Cameron McKenzie (Te Awamutu) L'Orame 2, Barry Beatson (Dannevirke) Sloane Square 3, Rawiri Waara (Marton) Transforma 4, Diana Cottle (Levin) Morpehus Rising 5, Sally Clarke (Dannevirke) Wallstreet III 6.

Main-Events University Series: Freya Gordon (Hastings) Leo Chocolat 1, Melody Matheson (Hastings) Cheltenham 2, Anna Parsons (Hastings) Troy LS 3.

Telford Junior Rider: Hannah Fraser (Feilding) Kiwi Relic 1, Emily Fraser (Feilding) Kiwi Sunray 2, Laura Hutterd (New Plymouth) Vogue II 3, Rebecca Porter (Hastings) Mr Harrison 4, Georgia Massey (Dannevirke) Double J Cloud 9 5, Will Moffett (Hastings) Mustangs Edition 6.

Canterbury Equestrian Young Rider: Emma Thurlow (Waverley) Clifton Ali 1, Emily Fraser (Feilding) Maxamillion II 2, Emily Hayward-Morgan (Te Awamutu) AP Ninja 3, Sophie Burling (Kerikeri) LR Reugar MSH 4, Melody Matheson (Hastings) Roulette MH 5, Emily Hayward-Morgan (Te Awamutu) Yandoo Lady Gold 6.

Goldengrove Seven Year Old Series: Lisa Cubitt (Cambridge) Unlimited NZPH 1, Claire Wilson (Waipukurau) McMillans Frederika RE 2, Oliver Edgecombe (Waipukurau) Ultra Blue NZPH 3, Maurice Beatson (Dannevirke) Mandalay Cove 4, Robert Steele (Hawera) Tigger 5, Larina Dolman (Gisborne) Kiwi Lansing 6.

Mitavite Six Year Old Series: Lisa Cubitt (Cambridge) Velvet NZPH, Molly Bennett (Wairoa) Athena GNZ, Julie Davey (Hastings) CentaRoc, Rachel Moore (Hastings) Gravel Hill 1=

East Coast Performance Horses Five Year Old Series: Laura Knight (Palmerston North) Letino, Claire Wilson (Waipukurau) McMillans Chuck, Kim Best (Hastings) Popeye, Laura Knight (Palmerston North) Allouette, Will Moffett (Hastings) Unstoppable 1=