Eventing: Edwards-Smith and Yogi top Super League

COMFORTABLE LEAD: Donna Edwards-Smith and DSE Mr Hokey Pokey have a comfortable lead in the Super League. PHOTO/TREWEY'S PHOTOGRAPHY

EventingBy Virginia Caro

Following their decisive win in the Red Snap'r CIC3* title class at the National Eventing Championships at Takapau last weekend Donna Edwards-Smith and DSE Mr Hokey Pokey, have claimed top spot in the ESNZ Eventing Super League.

This was the second leg of the year long series, but the Silver Fern Farms Arran Station-hosted national championships earn extra points, so Edwards-Smith and Yogi, as Mr Hokey Pokey is affectionately known, have established a comfortable lead, having earned bonus points for an outstanding performance score at Arran Station, and carrying completion points from the first leg at Taupo.

Young Rider champion Jackson Bovill, who placed second on Visionnaire at Takapau, has leapt on to the points table ahead of Andy Daines and Spring Panorama, who won the first leg at Taupo, but were not at Takapau, as they contest their first CCI4* at the Australian International Three-day Event in Adelaide this weekend. Daines can include his performance there, so could well add to his points tally.

Ginny Thompson and Star Nouveau, third at Takapau, have entered the Super League table in fourth spot, ahead of Diane Gilder and Your Attorney, second at Taupo, who were unable to contest the national championships because of work commitments.

The South Island has its first Super League event of the season at McLeans Island, Christchurch, this weekend, with four starters, so it will be a case of winner takes all. There will be much camaraderie as they all know each other and will be keen to earn bragging rights.

Standings after two rounds:
Donna Edwards-Smith (Te Kauwhata), DSE Mr Hokey Pokey, 72 pts; Bovill Jackson (Matangi), Visionnaire, 51 pts; Andy Daines (Kumeu), Spring Panorama, 48 pts; Ginny Thompson (Kaukapakapa), Star Nouveau, 42 pts; Diane Gilder (Matangi), Your Attorney, 36 pts.