Diminutive DSE Mr Hokey Pokey delivered for Donna Edwards-Smith at Arran Station's National Eventing Championships, retaining his overnight lead to win the 60th running of the Forest Gate Trophy by a decisive 12.3 penalty margin.
Second after the dressage with a score of 44.7 penalties in the Red Snap'r CIC three-star class, they took the lead with one of only three clear showjumping rounds inside the time, and consolidated their position with a polished performance across country, incurring 16.8 time penalties.
Amanda Pottinger and Just Kidding led after the dressage with a test that delighted her, but two showjumping rails down and a time penalty dropped them to second place overnight.
Two uncharacteristic stops at the entry to the water had Pottinger retire.
This opened the door for Young Rider champion Jackson Bovill and his mare Visionnaire, third after the dressage, dropping to fourth after a clear showjumping round.
They incurred four time penalties, and jumped clear across country with 19.6 time penalties to finish second.
Virginia Thompson and Star Nouveau pulled up from sixth after the dressage, showjumping clear with three time penalties, and going clear across country with 14.8 time penalties, to finish third.
Chris Ross's cross-country course drew much admiration, with six of the 12 starters going clear, the only elimination for missing a fence.
The Oaklane Stables Chaff CIC two-star for the Waiteko Trophy was won by Ashleigh McKinstry on Pioneer Brass Monkey, who led after the dressage, dropped to second after showjumping with a rail down, but regained the lead with a clear cross-country round inside the time. Madison Crowe was second on Waitangi Pinterest, adding two cross-country time penalties to their dressage score.
Jessica Woods and LV Balou Jeanz won the Equissage CIC one-star Championship for the Ferndale Salver after leading from go to whoa, ahead of Greer Caddigan and Gymnastik Showdown who were second throughout.
This was a keenly contested class of 29 starters, all but two completing.
The Mitavite CNC 105cm Championship was won by Jordie Watson riding Meersbrook Viva La Vida, ahead of Tayla Mason and Waimanu Highlights, both finishing on their fifth and seventh placed dressage scores respectively.
Chris Lever's cross-country tracks for the one-star and 105 championships were inviting for the competitors, most well qualified to meet the challenges.