Equestrian: Winery backdrop for event

Top action from the best in New Zealand and Australia is the order of the day at Showjumping's Holy Grail at Church Road Winery in Napier on Sunday.

Hundreds of people are expected to enjoy the first of the Mitavite Transtasman two test series in the stunning setting in Taradale.

New Zealand has named a team featuring an artful mix of experience and youth. Heading the team are World Equestrian Championship teammates, Olympians Katie McVean (Mystery Creek) aboard the home-bred Dunstan Daffodil and Samantha McIntosh (Cambridge) on her imported mare Estina.

Backing them up is Canterbury farrier Ross Smith on his imported stallion Quite Cassini and young gun Luke Dee (Ocean Beach) on Ombudsman, who recently won the New Zealand World Cup final.

Keen to gain bragging rights are Australia's best Alison Rowland (Western Australia) on Bickley Brook Bella (owned by Peter Cooke, Nicol Taylor and Rowland), Rory Hovelle (Western Australia) on Yalambi's Val d'Isere, Sharon Slater (New South Wales)on Ulixes and Tom McDermott (New South Wales) on Romantic Dream (owned by Simon, Brenda, Sam and Jess Tripp).

As well as the senior test, young riders from each side of the Tasman will also go head to head. New Zealand has named Logan Massie (Dannevirke) on Kiwi Ludo (owned by Massie and Annette Scott), Rosie Commons on Glenara Chandon, Bridget Hansen (Ocean Beach) on Shakespeare NZPH and Melody Matheson (Hastings) on Cheltenham.

The Australians have sent Jack Maunder (New South Wales) on Cyra, James Arkins (New South Wales) on Dreamtime Invader, Nicole Bruggeman (South Australia) on Blusta and Sarah Beale (New South Wales) on Alpha Centuri.

The Holy Grail is a new initiative but challenge director Kevin Hansen is hoping it will become an annual clash.

"Spectators will be treated to something really special on Sunday."

He's encouraging families to pack a picnic and make the most of what promises to be a magical afternoon.

The action starts at 11.15am and goes through to 4pm.