From Equine Trader (dated 25 April 2010)
The New Zealand Young Rider eventing team has retained the Trans Tasman Challenge in a climatic finish as part of the NZCT South Island FEI Three Day Event.
Heading into the final day of competition the New Zealand team was dealt two blows with the loss of Devan Wilson and Upbeat Lady, and Simon Gordon with Simply Mitch, both who were withdrawn. The team went into the show jumping with five rails in-hand over the Australians, who were also down to three team members, meaning all scores would count for the final team standings.
First to go for the Aussies Elizabeth Moore on Sebastian Bach gave the Kiwis some further breathing space taking one rail. Kiwi Douglas Thomson was the next to go producing a perfect clear round. Next in was Australia s Crystal Conning, riding Marcus Aurelius, who also had four faults. The last rider for the Aussies Jessica Manson on Legal Star produced a clear round upping the pressure of the two remaining Kiwi riders.
Taumaranuis Ashleigh McKinstry on Pioneer Makokomiko rose to the challenge, producing a foot perfect clear round, cementing New Zealand s position with one rider to go. Leader going into the show jumping, Ashburtons Larissa Srhoy on Starburst was last to go. Not renowned for their show jumping prowess, Srhoy rode a confident round to finish with eight faults, giving the Kiwi team a clear victory.
I am absolutely delighted. I thought it was well-deserved; it shows what talent we have in store for the future, said Tinks Pottinger New Zealand team coach.
McKinstrys strong performance also gave her victory in the Tavern Harewood CCI2* competition from Australian Jessica Manson on Legal Star. With her two rails down Srhoy had to settle for third.
In the Devi Heating Systems CCI1* competition Matamatas Sam Taylor on Leo Degas dominated leading from start to finish to win comfortably finishing on his dressage score from West Meltons Emily Butcher on Dambala, second, and Katherine Gillaly riding Annabel Wigleys Brogan, third.
Taylor was also the winner of the NZCT CIC3* competition, which was completed yesterday, on his more experienced D.V.8 ahead of Emily Butcher on Transcend and Brent Jury on SE Big.
Amanda Taylor on Chinwag was successful in the hotly contested Striding Edge Horse Shoeing Pre Novice, while the two training divisions were won by Christchurch s Courtney Mehlhopt on Willie Doo II and Rangioras Ellie Braddock on Order of the Phoenix . Ashburtons Monica Archibald on Spectacular Trio won the Pacific Vet Pre Training.
Held on the first day of the competition the prestigious Saddlery Barn South Island Young Eventer was taken out by Canterbury s Emily Butcher with the five-year-old Littorio gelding Lewis bred and owned by Neil Sword.
Wellington visitor Douglas Thomson finished runner-up with his second horse Grand Jury, with West Coaster Eve Hawes and Hurlingham Lansong third, and also the Best Placed Mare award.
The Best Placed Four-Year-Old went to Brent Jury on Astek Gazeni, who is part-owned by Canterbury s Astek Stud, by the studs resident sire Kinnordy Gym Bello.