Improving riders get their chance

Press, 17 May 1989, Page 32

Improving riders get their chance

The 1989 Bell Tea New Zealand three-day event, the culmination of the horse trials year, will be held at Taupo this weekend. It is the final selection trial for the team to defend the Trans-Tasman Trophy at Werribee Park, Melbourne, in October, and holds considerable interest as budding internationals vie to fill the gaps left by absent competitors. Tinks Pottinger is expecting a baby; Trudy Boyce has retired Mossman; Marges Knighton’s Enterprise has been sidelined by a paddock injury; Blyth Tait’s Messiah and Angela Davies’ Paramount are joining the British-based horses to contest the Stockholm event in July, the venue for next year’s world championships.

The next echelon is proving worthy and providing an interesting finish to the Hobson’s accumulator series, designed to recognise the country’s top eventers. Andrew Scott, Feilding, who won the New Zealand one-day title at Putaruru on May 6, riding Umptee, describes the horse as “the best I have ridden.” Scott was reserve for the 1984

Los Angeles Olympic team, and ninth at the 1986 world championships in Gawler, South Australia.

Lynne King and Hoffman (Taupo), winners of the Australian bi-centen-nial three-day Event at Hawkesbury, New South Wales, in November, were beaten into third at Putaruru by an intermediate horse having its first advanced start. Shelley Ross and . Wetherby Caleb (Helensville), were rewarded for consistent cross country performances through the grades, proving as reliable as ever over an advanced track.

Joanne Shepherd and Delta (Kaitaia), were disappointing at Putaruru, taking an unnecessary risk at a downhill corner and paying the price with a run-off, but better things can be expected at Taupo. Vicky Latta and Chief (Auckland) are finding form after an interrupted campaign, and the South Island combination of Jane Cullen and Awatuna, currently based at Levin, are being consistent in the competitive North Island scene.

Nick Pyke and Lochan Ora (Nelson), and Paul

Sharp and Astra (Dunedin), will have their first advanced starts at Taupo, while Boyce will be hoping for better luck on Melanie Baker’s Raffety after her fall at Putaruru.

The intermediate field is the best at this level, indicating the strengthening depth of the sport. Mary Darby and Ricochet (Waipukurau), the winners at Putaruru, can be expected to win this title too. Vaughan Jefferis (Hamilton), second and third at Putaruru, has two good rides on the South Island horse Sea Law, which he rides for Sally and John Wigley, and last year’s title holder, Merran Hain’s True Story, which Jefferis purchased just days before riding him into third place at Putaruru.

There are six South Islanders in the intermediate class, six in the novice, and four in the Young Rider, a total contingent of 18, which reflects the burgeoning enthusiasm for eventing since the team bronze medal at Seoul. The interisland teams competition could be closely contested this year.