Laurie enters HOY Hall of Fame

Katie Laurie (nee McVean) was inducted into the Horse of the Year Show Hall of Fame last night. PHOTO / WARREN BUCKLAND

Top Kiwi showjumper Katie Laurie was inducted into the New Zealand Horse of the Year Show Hall of Fame at a glitzy dinner last night.

Mrs Laurie (nee McVean) received the honour at the Farmlands Horse of the Year (HOY) Plus Four Gala Dinner, in front of about 300 people at Showgrounds Hawke's Bay.

Guests enjoyed a night of fine dining and entertainment at the annual black tie event.
Mrs Laurie is at HOY this year seeking her sixth win in the Bostock International Olympic Cup, to be held on Sunday.

HOY organiser Andrew Hansen said she was an exemplary rider.

"She's an absolutely outstanding sportswoman - Horse of the Year wouldn't be Horse of the Year without Katie."

On behalf of Hastings District Council, mayor Lawrence Yule presented the show's director, Kevin Hansen, with a travel package to thank his family for their hard work.

This year marks Mr Hansen's 17th and final show, which has become the biggest equestrian event in the Southern Hemisphere.

"Without the Hansen family, Horse of the Year in Hastings would not exist. I don't know of any other family who would mortgage their house for an event as you did years ago."

Mr Hansen thanked his wife Sue and paid tribute to his son Andrew. "Hopefully Horse of the Year will continue to go forth."

The guest speaker of the evening was New Zealand Olympic medallist and World Champ representative Jonathan "Jock" Paget, who will compete in the popular cross-country event, at the showgrounds in Hastings at 2.30pm tomorrow.