Jessica Woods and Just De Manzana at Kihikihi Photo courtesy Spot On Photo
Jessica Woods, from Ohaupo in the Waikato, took her new Australian 3* horse Just de Manzana (previously competed by Victoria's Simon Tainsh), to the South Island Eventing Championships to gain a qualifying score to make her eligible for the NRM National Three-day Event in Taupo next month, but was rewarded with a win in the Ultimate Design & Renovation CIC3* class as well.
Third of the five starters at McLeans Island after Saturday’s dressage phase with a score of 36.7 penalties, they had a showjumping rail down, but went clear with the fastest time across country on Sunday, incurring 4.8 time penalties, for a final score of 45.5 penalties.
Cantabrian Emily Cammock on Shaw Lee, the pre-event favourites holding second equal position in the ESNZ Eventing Super League, who were second after the dressage with 36.4 penalties, also had a showjumping rail down. However they incurred 17.6 time penalties on the cross-country for a final score of 58 penalties.
Dressage leaders, Kirsty Sharapoff and Shoot The Breeze, added 3 showjumping time penalties to their dressage score of 35.3 penalties to hold the overnight lead, but incurred 20 jumping penalties across country plus 28.8 time penalties, to drop out of contention.
Emily was eliminated on her second ride, Lewis, after three refusals on cross-country, while Corey Wood withdrew Pick Up Line after a below par performance in the showjumping. Lydia Truesdale elected not to start Allander Rocket in the 3* class, opting for a confidence boosting run in the 2* before heading to the North Island.
Jessica’s win with Just de Manzana has elevated her to fourth place in the Super League, while Emily and Shaw Lee move clear in second position, with the series final, the NRM National Three-day Event at Taupo next month looming large.
ESNZ Eventing Super League:
Current Standings: Clarke Johnstone (Matangi), Balmoral Sensation, 178 pts; Emily Cammock (Christchurch), Shaw Lee, 110 pts; Donna Edwards-Smith (Te Kauwhata), DSE Tangolooma, 80 pts; Jessica Woods (Ohaupo), Just de Manzana, 64pts; Bundy Philpott (Cambridge), Tresca NZPH, 63 pts; Edwards-Smith, DSE Cluny, 58 pts; Nick Brooks (Cambridge), For Fame, 58 pts.
Virginia Caro
