The Australian young riders have shot to an early lead in the Young Rider Trans-Tasman Challenge with a strong dressage performance today (Friday).
Held in conjunction with the Tavern Harewood CCI2* competition as part of the Eventing Canterbury South Island FEI Three Day Event at the National Equestrian Centre at McLeans Island, the Aussie team have finished day one with 151.6 penalties, just 4.7 penalties clear of the Kiwi team on 156.3.
Australian rider Makayla Wood aboard the stylish 14-year-old thoroughbred gelding Just Corona leads the field on 46.3 after a polished test.
Samantha Felton (Hamilton) on Ricker Ridge Pico Boo is the best placed of the Kiwi team lying second on 50 penalties, with Ohaupo’s Jessica Woods, who is riding as an individual, third on 50.6, ahead of Australian Ben Leahy fourth with 50.7. Fellow Kiwi team members Joseph Waldron on Springvale All Black and Katie Rankin (Ohoka) on Time To Tango Too round out the top six.
New Zealand coach Tinks Pottinger was thrilled with today’s results, but was looking forward to tomorrow’s cross country phase over the tough Nicky Pyke-designed track.
“The kids have been super and done a great job today. It’s probably the closest we have been to an Australian team after the dressage, but it’s a new day tomorrow (for cross country). I think we definitely have a great trans-Tasman battle ahead of us. It’s certainly a tough championship track and they are going to have to be good out there to get home clear and under the time.”
Pottinger said the team had come into the event off the back of some strong form, and given a good run she expected them to put in a solid cross country performance. “We are quietly confident in the team we have,” she added.
Ashburton’s Larissa Srhoy produced a smart test aboard Starburst to lead the small field in the NZCT CIC3* class on 52.2, well clear of former national one day eventing champion Brent Jury (Cust) on SE Big on 60, with New Plymouth’s Charlotte Grayling on NRM Ru Star, third, on 62.
The South Island FEI Three Day Event is one of the nation’s prestigious equestrian events, and has attracted more than 190 competitors taking part in the event across all levels from CIC3* down to pre training level.
Saturday’s cross country will be “the” day for people to catch the excitement of the event. Action gets underway with competitors on course from 9am, but the CIC3* followed by the CCI2* (trans-Tasman) are scheduled to start around midday and will run through the early part of the afternoon.
Entry to the grounds is free, and food and refreshments are available on-site
To read Makayla Wood's latest blog about her journey to the Trans Tasman, CLICK HERE
The Trans Tasman journey started by crossing the Nullabor..................................
