Brent Jury and SE Hedging
Most of New Zealand’s top eventers were in action at Puhinui over the weekend, with competition keen in the seventeen strong Honda CIC3* class, and the scoreboard changing after each phase. Donna Edwards-Smith led with DSE Mr Hokey Pokey after the dressage on Saturday, but a showjumping rail down relegated them to third.
However Smith managed to take the overnight lead with her other ride, DSE Tangolooma, who was third after the dressage and show jumped clear. Samantha Felton moved into second place with Ricker Ridge Pico Boo, improving from seventh after the dressage with a clean showjumping sheet.
Felton also moved up the order dramatically with Ricker Ridge Escada, going from fourteenth after the dressage to be fourth equal after a clear showjumping round. The dressage scores were close, with less than 3 points covering the top seven places, but the undulating showjumping course took a toll. Tich Massey’s cross-country course did not trouble many, but the Puhinui terrain was a challenge as always.
Smith on Tangolooma, returning from time out after injury, were back to their best to take the win after completing with 11.6 time penalties for a final score of 61.5 penalties. Rangiora farrier Brent Jury and the big striding SE Hedging devoured the course, coming home with 10 time penalties to move from sixth place overnight to finish second on 67.2 penalties.
Smith was only a whisker behind on the diminutive but ever consistent Mr Hokey Pokey, incurring 14.4 time penalties after cutting every corner for a final score of 67.3, which further extends their lead in the Super League series.
The fastest time of the day went to Ashley McKinstry on Pioneer Brass Monkey, who were second after the dressage, but dropped to ninth place after showjumping clear but with 9 time penalties. However they improved to finish fourth after scorching round the cross-country with 8.4 time penalties for a final score of 68.7 penalties.
Felton also finished on 68.7 penalties with Escada, having added 11.6 time penalties across country, but McKinstry took the higher place being closer to the optimum cross-country time. Pico Boo incurred 21.2 time penalties relegating him to sixth place, but Felton is riding with complete confidence following her time in Australia during the spring.
The next event in the Super League series is the 2017 National Eventing Championships at Kihikihi on 7-9 April. A good performance there is paramount as national championships earn bonus points, and the selectors will also be watching prior to naming the training squads to prepare for the Oceania Championships.
ESNZ Eventing Super League Standings:
Donna Edwards-Smith (Te Kauwhata), DSE Mr Hokey Pokey, 150 pts; Virginia Thompson (Kaukapakapa), Star Nouveau, 102 pts; Brent Jury (Rangiora), SE Hedging, 90 pts; Samantha Felton (Matangi), Ricker Ridge Pico Boo, 78 pts; Felton, Ricker Ridge Escada, 75 pts; Andrew Daines (Kumeu), Spring Panorama, 54 pts;
