from WeeklyTimes (dated 23mar11)

THE Australian showjumping team won the Trans Tasman Nations Cup against New Zealand last Friday at the Horse of the Year Show in Hastings.

The team comprised Brook Dobbin, from Yarra Glen, George Sanna, from Glossodia, Julia Hargreaves, from Wilberforce, and Queenslander Cathy Graham.

The Australians finished on 14 penalties over the two-round competition, well ahead of New Zealand on 20 penalties.

New Zealander Katie McVean, granddaughter of Australia's international Len McVean, from Tallangatta, on Sunday won the $200,000 Olympic Cup Grand Prix from Australian Jamie Kermond, from Garfield.

McVean, riding Seremonie, won her third Olympic Cup to set a showjumping record.

Danielle Butcher, from Pheasants Nest, jumped the only clear round in the first round, riding the former Victorian horse Twins Big Higgs.

After the second round, McVean and Kermond were equal on nine penalties to ride off against the clock.

Both riders took a rail in the jump-off, McVean winning with the fastest round.