Showjumping: Oliver Edgecombe eyes birthday win

"There's no chance of me ruining the uncle's chances of going back-to-back in the Olympic Cup for a second time." Oliver Edgecombe

Hawke's Bay showjumper Oliver Edgecombe was yesterday doing his best to dodge a certain key date in his life ... today is his birthday.

"I'm pretty sure it's gone ... it was last week. No ... it might be next week," Edgecombe joked after completing his two classes at the Hawke's Bay Showgrounds-hosted NRM Horse of the Year Show.

When the Waipukurau sheep and cattle farmer realised our homework on his 39th birthday was spot on he attempted to take four years off.

"It has to be 35 doesn't it?" he asked with an attempt as successful as his first round four fault exit on Ultra Blue NZPH in yesterday's 1.20m class.

The 2007 Olympic Cup class winner on JJ Freelance, Edgecombe, almost got an ideal early birthday present with a fourth placing, the best of the Hawke's Bay starters, in division one of the 1.30m class.

"My horse jumped well and I've only had him for a month," Edgecombe explained referring to Dicavilli Don Quattro, owned by Levin's Caroline Jolly.

A nephew of Olympian and five-time winner and Olympic Cup class defending champion Maurice Beatson of Dannevirke, Edgecombe, has competed in all 16 Hastings-based Horse of the Year Shows but pointed out he won't be strutting his stuff in the Olympic Cup class this week.

"I've got several horses I hope to have ready for that class in a couple of years but I will still be competing every day this week. There's no chance of me ruining the uncle's chances of going back-to-back in the Olympic Cup for a second time."

Beatson recorded wins on Nationwide in 1983 and 1984.

Edgecombe and Dicavilli Don Quattro will be in action again today in the 1.40m class. Yesterday's form suggests the chances of a birthday victory are pretty good.

Although Edgecombe has been around the equestrian scene long enough to know it doesn't pay to make any bold predictions.

"I just want to go as well as I can," he added.

Wairoa's Trudi Mitchell was the next best of the Hawke's Bay starters in division one with a fifth on Judge's Decision and a sixth on Sentawish.

Hikurangi's Vicki Wilson was the most successful rider in the class yesterday. She won division one on Ngahiwi Showtym and division two on Showtym Cadet MVNZ.

Her sister Amanda was second in division one on Showtym Viking. The sisters are two of three from their family, Kelly is the other, who are competing at the show.

They have gained nationwide recognition for their training efforts with several Kaimanawa wild horses.

Meanwhile, the show is live streaming for those who can't attend one of the Southern Hemisphere's biggest sporting celebrations and show director Kevin Hansen has every right to be excited about the new free development.