Equestrian: McVean takes out the Christmas Classic

Katie McVean. Photo / APN

Torrential rain didn't stop Katie McVean turning on a classy performance to take the fourth round of the New Zealand World Cup series at the Christmas Classic in Taupo yesterday.

Aboard her homebred horse, Dunstan Daffodil, McVean was the only one of the seven starters to notch even one clear round - and she went double clear, just to be sure.

The defending series champ, who earlier this year represented New Zealand at the World Cup final, showed she's right on track to repeat the feat.

Six of the seven starters came back for the second round, with Bernard Denton on Suzuki and Lisa Coupe on Bates Amaretto both carrying four faults, while Maurice Beatson on My Gollywog and Phillip Steiner on Annandale Online NZPH sat on eight faults each.

The rails continued to fall in the second round, with all but McVean taking a rail each. Coupe took second place thanks to a slicker time than Denton.

Results from the Christmas Classic in Taupo yesterday:

NZ World Cup Series (fourth round): Katie McVean on Dunstan Daffodil, 1; Lisa Coupe on Bates Amaretto MVNZ, 2; Bernard Denton on Suzuki, 3.

Young Rider: Timothy Myers on Pick Me NZPH, 1; Joshua Barker on Anubertha, 2; Logan Massie on Kiwi Ludo, 3.

Amateur Rider: Savanah Larsen-Church on Midway Whisper, 1; Luis Pedro De Chaby on Stratton, 2; Donna Atkinson on Blue Label, 3.

Junior Rider: Rebekah Van Tiel on Leeston Eagle, 1; Melody Matheson on Scottish Lad, 2; Lily Tootill on Ngahiwi Cruise, 3.

Pro Amateur Rider: Kim Best on Brooke BHS, 1; Chloe Akers on HR Khemosabi, 2; Caroline Tatere on Grader 3.

Five-Year-Old: Jackie Jermyn on Spring Fling, Megan Lindermann-Cohen on LC Talent, Josh Collins on Turn it Blue NZPH T1.

Six-Year-Old: Logan Massie on Double J Cloud 9, Megan Lindermann-Cohen on LC Rodeo Drive, Katie McVean on Dunstan Breeze T1.

Seven-Year-Old: Katie McVean on Dunstan Springfield, 1; Catherine Cameron on Lights Out, 2; Luke Dee on Pathfinder II, 3.

Pony Grand Prix: Tegan Newman on Watch Me Move, 1; Laura Lush on Miss Munroe, 2; Lily Tootill on Millbrook, 3.

One Star Grand Prix: Maurice Beatson on Schimmel Warrior, 1; Sally Steiner on Wickliffe Brannigan, 2; Lucy Olphert on Don Quattro, 3.

University Challenge: Lucy Olphert on Don Quattro, 1; Mathew Dickey on Kiwi Guard, 2; Rachael Bentall on Kiwi Brave, 3.
Great Lake Challenge: Vicki Wilson on Showtym Girl, 1; James Cole on Chequebook, 2; Tayla Mason on Kabo Lunar, 3.