Eventing: Testing terrain sees riders swap placings

Brent Jury, of Rangiora, on SE Hedging is the big mover in the Super League series. Photo / Jan Sutherland

Most of the country's top eventers were in action at Puhinui over the weekend, with competition keen in the 17-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, Edwards-Smith managed to take the overnight lead with her other ride, DSE Tangolooma, who was third after the dressage and showjumped 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 14th after the dressage to be fourth equal after a clear showjumping round.

The dressage scores were close, with less than three points covering the top seven places but the undulating showjumping course took a toll. Tich Massey's crosscountry course did not trouble many, but the Puhinui terrain was a challenge as always.

Edwards-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. It has been a patient wait for Edwards-Smith, who has given the horse every opportunity to recover fully, and brought him back slowly to full fitness.

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. Just reward for the former NZ team farrier, now in contention to be a team rider, having left his horse in the North Island after the abandoned HOY event.

Edwards-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. The placing further extends their lead in the Super League series, making them favourites to take top honours at the end of the season, barring mishaps.

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 crosscountry 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 crosscountry 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 Championship at Kihikihi on April 7-9. A good performance there is paramount as national championships earn bonus points.

The selectors will also be watching prior to naming training squads to prepare for the Oceania Championship at the Melbourne Three-day Event on Australian Queen's Birthday Weekend, June 10-12.

ESNZ Eventing Super League Standings: Donna Edwards-Smith (Te Kauwhata), DSE Mr Hokey Pokey, 150pts; Virginia Thompson (Kaukapakapa), Star Nouveau, 102; Brent Jury (Rangiora), SE Hedging, 90; Samantha Felton (Matangi), Ricker Ridge Pico Boo, 78; Felton, Ricker Ridge Escada, 69; Andrew Daines (Kumeu), Spring Panorama, 54.