Kiwis ready to take on Aussies
Wednesday, 28 August 2013
Excitement is building as the last of the New Zealand teams arrive in Australia in readiness for the official test in Werribee next month – the first time since 2005 the Trans Tasman Trophy has been contested on Australian soil.
Senior riders Samantha McIntosh (Cambridge) and Ross Smith (Canterbury) have been there a while making their mark on the showjumping scene, with team-mate Lisa Coupe (Kumeu) is a recent arrival but having already won a ribbon or two. Luke Dee (Ocean Beach) accompanied the last of the horses to Sydney earlier this week.
In the junior camp, late call-up Olivia Robertson (Queenstown) has been added to the team after Melody Matheson’s (Hawke’s Bay) Cheltenham had to be withdrawn.
The first official outing – for a mock test – will be at the Showcase of Showjumping at the Sydney Polo Club in mid September.
Most of the team is based with George Sanna, at the Sanna Equestrian Bloodstock, with Coupe at Yandoo Park with the Winnings, who organise the very popular Showcase of Showjumping.
The official test is at the Australian Showjumping Championships in Werribee from September 19-22. When they last did battle, in New Zealand in 2012, it was a draw, so both teams will be keen to stake a claim on one of the most sought-after Trans Tasman trophies. The teams will also compete at the Royal Melbourne Show from September 26-29 in an unofficial test.
Senior team: Lisa Coupe (Kumeu) Bates Amaretto MVNZ, Ross Smith (Canterbury) Quite Cassini, Samantha McIntosh (Cambridge) Estina, Luke Dee (Ocean Beach) Ombudsman.
Young Rider team: Rebekah van Tiel (Karaka) Adeaze, Rosie Commons (Auckland) Glenara Chandon, Olivia Robertson (Queenstown) Ngahiwi Cisco, Bridget Hansen (Ocean Beach) Shakespear NZPH.
