Exciting Finish Beckons in Oceania Challenge

Exciting Finish Beckons in Oceania Challenge

It’s a lead apiece in the Oceania Eventing Challenge at the Land Rover Horse of the Year Show in Hastings after an influential cross country day.
The Australians have a significant 70 penalty point lead in the Land Rover CCI4*-S while it is the way of the Kiwis by 24.5 penalty points in the Fiber Fresh CCI3*-S.
It’s an Australian press at the top of the individual 4* with one through five all claimed by the visitors. Australian Olympian Shane Rose and Virgil lead the 4* on 30.8, with New Zealand young rider team member Bridie Quigley and Oranoa Greyson at the front in the 3* on 33.4, with her team mate Mia Gilbert (West Auckland) aboard Schnapps MH in second on 34, and individual Kiwi Abbey Thompson (Te Kauwhata) on Cadbury KSNZ in third on 36.9.
The overnight leaders in both classes dropped away, with 4* Australian combination Andrew Barnett and Go Tosca now in seventh and 3* dressage leader Olivia Shore (AUS) on Dreamcatcher now in 12th.
Earlier in the day Luke Dee (Hastings) and Gangster WW rode off with the 4Cyte Premier Stakes and the very special Tom Gadsby Memorial Trophy which was donated by Tom’s family in honour of the eventer and showjumper who died while competing in the United Kingdom in 2013.
“It is a real honour to have my name on that trophy,” said 30-year-old Luke who bagged the only double clear of the class.
“I couldn’t be happier with this win. I knew there was a lot of jumping to do out there and Emma (Gaze, who was runner-up aboard Kowhai Bug). I had to be fast enough but quick enough in case I had a rail.” Matthew Dickey (Taranaki) and Fernando CSNZ were third.
The Elanco Junior Rider of the Year crown went the way of 16-year-old Matisse Masterson and Jay-Z GNZ who triumphed in a 30-strong very competitive class that saw 13 come back for the second round.
“It just means the world to win this,” she said. “It is such a hard class and I am so happy to have won.” Penny Borthwick (Masterton) aboard Nikama MVNZ was double clear for second with Molly Moffatt (Christchurch) aboard Kingslea Couture third on four faults with the fastest time of the round.
In the dressage oval, the very accomplished Wendi Williamson (Waimauku) has ridden herself into a commanding position for the Dressage Horse of the Year title after another win this morning, this time in the 4Cyte CDI 3* Grand Prix Special with 74.383% aboard Don Vito MH.
Coming second was Chelsea Callaghan (Ohariu Valley) aboard Sisters II Etta J on 64.723% and Brina Carpenter (Clevedon) with Parkridge Disco SW in third on 59.511%.
Wendi, who represented New Zealand at the World Cup final, and Don Vito MH won the FEI Grand Prix CDI3* yesterday on 71.413% with Chelsea again second with a score of 62.435%.
The overall Dressage Horse of the Year crown is decided across three classes – the Grand Prix, Grand Prix Special and Musical Freestyle – so there is much to look forward to with Sunday’s musical which is set to go around 1.30pm in the Oval.
Sunday is Cup Day at the Land Rover Horse of the Year when the Eventer of the Year will be crowned, the Dressage Horse of the Year decided, and the Olympic Cup for Showjumper of the Year awarded.
 

WHAT: Land Rover Horse of the Year Show
WHERE: Tōmoana Showgrounds, Heretaunga, Hastings
WHEN: March 5-10, 2024
MORE INFO AND TICKETS: www.hoy.kiwi
For full results, head to www.evoevents.co.nz