New Leader after Cross Country at Puhinui

Cross country day at Puhinui always has drama and this year was no different. The new leader is Virginia Thompson on her horse Star Noveau after the pair absolutely nailed the challenging jumps, and was the only combination to finish within the time.

Beaming from ear to ear after crossing through the finish flags, Kaukapakapa based Ginny was obviously thrilled. “That was out of this world, she is just one in a million. She gave me everything she had. She answered every question.”

“What I was most proud of is that we made time as that has been a huge personal goal for me. I am a little bit of a nana. We have been working really hard at trying to work out how to shave lines and stepping up quicker after fences.”

Overnight leader Dannie Lodder also flew around the course. “He is awesome. Just the best ride I have had. He is it, he is my Mr Perfect horse.” Unfortunately that elation turned to absolute despair a few minutes later when she was told she jumped the wrong fence towards the end of the course, meaning elimination from the competition. “I had a complete brain fade.”

Manawatu’s Katharine Van Tuyl has now moved up to second place on her This was the pair’s first attempt at the high level class, and to finish clear with just eight time faults was a huge achievement. “It was always going to be a massive ask for him. He made a couple of mistakes but he’s only eight so he is really the baby of the class.”

Andy Daines (Kumeu) on Spring Panorama has moved up to third place, “He was absolutely amazing. He made it feel really good. It rode a lot better than I thought.”

There are only five combinations left in the contest after today’s testing course. Shelley Ross had a fall off Coleraine Coaltown and while unhurt, was obviously furious with herself. Francesca Silver retired Case in Point early in the course.

In the iSpyHorses CCI2*, evergreen Campbell Draper has moved into the lead after just 4.4 time faults on the cross country with his horse Mr Right behind him is Donna Smith on Mr Hokey Pokey, with Kate Wood on Wolf Whistle II third.

In the Honda NZ CCI2* Young Rider competition, Jackson Bovill retained the lead he had after dressage, with a beautiful clear round.

The horses will all now be required to pass a veterinary inspection in the morning. The showjumping starts at 9:30, with the main class scheduled to start at 1:30pm.

ENDS

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