Sally Steiner is a former winner of the Taupo Christmas Classic. Photo / File
Sally Steiner is a former winner of the Taupo Christmas Classic. Photo / File
Maurice Beatson will be on a mission to put a halt to the female domination of the Ultra Mox FEI World Cup series at the Fiber Fresh Taupo Christmas Classic this weekend.
Beatson, a Dannevirke farmer who represented New Zealand at a World Cup final, has two mounts entered intomorrow afternoon's class, which has attracted 14 entries - his home-bred grey gelding Schimmel Warrior, who has a couple of World Cup seasons to his credit, and relative newbie Conyers, who started just this season.
Former series winner Sally Steiner (Tauranga) has On the Point Slic Chic entered, with Vicki Wilson (Hikurangi) riding Ngahiwi Showtym Premier and Showtym Cadet MVNZ. Erin Clark (Opotiki) is aboard Reflector, while Bernard Denton (Feilding) has his campaigner Horsesports Suzuki entered, and Jesse Linton (Hastings) has Strathcarron Zaurak.
But Katie Laurie (Mystery Creek) and Helen McNaught-McFarlane (Taupo) are the ones to watch. Laurie has won the last two rounds and has Dunstan Kiwi Iron Mark (owned by June Berrington) and Dunstan Breeze entered.
McNaught-McFarlane has consistently been in the top three in her three rounds but is the first to say her horse Carnutelabryere - Brian for short - is a greenhorn at this level.
Also on the card is Bridget Hansen (Ocean Beach) who won the opening round in Hawke's Bay and has two entered tomorrow afternoon.
With the best three rounds to count, riders are now heading into drop-off scores, with the final, in early January, just one more round away.
A new initiative at the show is to have all World Cup riders enter the ring to music of their choice ... otherwise organisers will choose something feel is appropriate.
The Christmas Classic began yesterday and ends tomorrow, followed by National Derby Day on Sunday. Just under 800 horses are entered.
The grounds at the Fiber Fresh National Equestrian Centre look magnificent, with a new irrigation system, new sand in the pony ring and more to ensure the best footing.
Ultra.Mox FEI World Cup NZ Series (After three rounds) Katie Laurie (Mystery Creek) 57 points, Helen McNaught-McFarlane (Taupo) 47, Maurice Beatson (Dannevirke) 42, Bridget Hansen (Ocean Beach) 32, Bernard Denton (Feilding) and Sally Steiner (Tauranga) 20.
