New Zealand’s senior team has won an informal teams class at Sydney’s Spring Showcase of Showjumping today.
Ross Smith (Canterbury) and Quite Cassini were the stars, and finished fifth in the Gold Grand Prix, with Samantha McIntosh (Cambridge) and the rather wild Estina (owned by Lakeridge Equestrian) ninth and Lisa Coupe (Kumeu) aboard Bates Amaretto MVNZ 10th.
But it wasn’t quite so lucky for the young rider team who had to concede to the horses, finishing on eight faults to their four over the two rounds.
Chef d’equipe John Cottle says the senior team all performed well.
“Lisa had a bit of a mixed day and had a fall – but both she and the horse are ok. Ross picked up a place and Sam’s Estina was a little wild today,” he said.
“The show has been a good run for our horses, some of whom just need more jumping. This is what we are up against – some of our horses aren’t jumping fit and some riders are not in the groove.”
However, McIntosh, Smith and Bridget Hansen (Ocean Beach), who placed seventh in the young rider class, were showing the benefit of having been in Australia for some time.
“I am pretty upbeat about how the whole lot went . . .and they will all only be better for this show.”
The team leaves on Tuesday for Werribee where the official Oceania Championship test will be run as part of the Australian Showjumping Championships.
The first horse inspection is on Wednesday.
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.
