Equestrian: Two of NZ's best chase World Cup crown

Katie Laurie. File photo / NZME.

New Zealand's two best riders are preparing for a showdown in the New Zealand series final of showjumping's World Cup in Auckland this weekend.

Mystery Creek's Katie Laurie and Helen McNaught-McFarlane of Taupo are separated by seven points as they bid for the New Zealand title and a chance to contest the world final in Las Vegas in April, though McNaught-McFarlane has no plans to attend.

Laurie has won the series three times and has New Zealand's best result in a world final, when she finished sixth-equal four years ago aboard her champion Dunstan Delphi.

She is planning to take at least two horses to North America for the New Zealand winter which adds to her desire to win the New Zealand title.

Laurie, who has won three of the five New Zealand rounds, will start the consistent Dunstan Kiwi Iron Mark, who has been in the top two in every cup start this season, and Dunstan Breeze.

"It's going to be a really exciting final," she says.

"I plan to go out and ride the course, and not worry about the points at all," Laurie said.

McNaught-McFarlane, Hikurangi's Vicki Wilson and Bridget Hansen from Ocean Beach have had one event victory apiece.

Points and a half are on offer this weekend, so there is plenty of scope for a leaderboard shuffle.

McNaught-McFarlane is riding 9-year-old Carnutelabryere, who was being prepared for the future.

But his form was so good they put him in the cup opener in October and he has now had three thirds, a second and a win.

"He's just a big baby with a huge heart," McNaught-McFarlane said of her mount. "Everything he does it's to please you, and you can't go wrong with a horse like that. He's the kindest horse to ever look through a bridle."

However, victory at Woodhill won't change her mind about not taking up the Las Vegas trip.

"It's just too soon for Brian [Carnutelabryere]. He just isn't ready for it," she said.

World Cup points after five rounds: Katie Laurie (Mystery Creek) 74 pts 1, Helen McNaught-McFarlane (Taupo) 67 2, Maurice Beatson (Dannevirke) 57 3, Jesse Linton (Hastings) 40 4, Vicki Wilson (Hikurangi) 33 5.