Steely Nerves Win the Day

Steely Nerves Win the Day

Robert Steele led the way aboard Gospel in the horse grand prix at the two star Central Districts Show in Foxton this afternoon (Sunday).

The dairy farmer from Hawera was one of four combinations through to the jump-off from the 10 starters, and ended up taking the honours by just .4 of a second in a heart-stopping finale that saw horses and riders constantly up the ante.

First out was Julie Davey (Hastings) aboard Air Hill Myka who threw everything at it and really laid the challenge for those to come. Simon Wilson (Waipukurau) and Swinger bettered the time by a smidgen, with Steele going even better.

Last to go was Danielle Maurer (Auckland) and Blue Rinse who dropped an early rail trying to chase the time.

It was a similar jump-off in the pony grand prix, with Melanie Weal (Te Awamutu) and Hopeful Illusion coming up trumps from the 16 starters.

More than 450 combinations competed at the popular show, which saw five arenas in action over the two days.

Results -
Cathay Pacific horse grand prix: Robert Steele (Hawera) Gospel 1, Simon Wilson (Waipukurau) Swinger 2, Julie Davey (Hastings) Air Hill Myka 3, Danielle Maurer (Auckland) Blue Rinse 4, Oliver Edgecombe (Waipukurau) Billistic 5, Maurice Beatson (Dannevirke) Schimmmel Warrior 6.
Giltrap Audi young rider: Natasha Brooks (Cambridge ) Hairy McLairy 1, Timothy Myers (Hawera) Pick Me NZPH 2, Danielle Maurer (Auckland) Blue Rinse 3, Jamie Thurlow (Waverley) Mister Pirate 4, Emma Haworth (Levin) Liquid Lunch 5, Caitlin Pemberton (Palmerston North) Popoloca 6.
STH Hay Supplies pro-am: Carolyn Tatere (Dannevirke) Grader 1, Amanda Illston (Bulls) Stand Aside 2, Tracy Horton (Taranaki) HS Licorice Twist 3, Kaleigh Kent (Hawke's Bay) Dark Brew 4, Tim Finch (Waipukurau) Mr Munga 3 5, Sharleen Workman (Wellington) Kiwi Vibe S L 6.
Iverquantel amateur: Brooke Zander ( Waipukurau) Double J Rumours 1, Jeanette Williams (Pahiatua) Telegrace 2, Tim Pearce (Marton) Voodoo Magic 3, Sofie Dever (Hawke's Bay) Two Face 4, Laura Knight (Palmerston North) Sir Arthur 5, Sarah Jocelyn (Wainouiomata) Curioso 6.
Goldengrove Stud five-year-old: Robert Wellwood (Hastings) Insightful, Claire Wilson (Waipukurau) Waltzing Matilda, Kim Best (Otane) Mr Wiggle, Ashley Hart (Hastings) Kiwi Gold =1.
Mitavite six-year-old: Josh Collins (Hawkes Bay) Shakespeare NZPH, Shantelle Williams (Dannevirke) Strictly NZPH, Daniel Webb (Hunterville) Biloxi, Robert Steele (Hawera) Sumo II, John McLennan (Waipukurau) JJ Sponge Bob Square Pants, Brooke Zander (Waipukurau) Double J Rumours =1.
Cushionride seven-year-old: Kim Best (Otane) Giggles 1, Nigel Horton (Palmerston North) Oscar Wilde 2, Robert Steele (Hawera) Rolette 3, Oliver Edgcombe (Waipukurau) Burttorio 4, Claudia Porter (Hastings) Joia Hara 5, Nicki Booth (Masterton) Roulez-Rouge 6.
KiwiSpan junior rider: Logan Massie (Dannevirke) Kiwi Ludo 1, Kalah McKay (Levin) Tiger’s Shadow 2, Claudia Porter (Hastings) Mr Harrison 3, Megan Webb (Hunterville) Abernaki Chief 4, Charlotte Grayling (Okato) NRM Ru Star 5, Melanie Weal (Te Awamutu) Cross Your Heart 6.
JLT Bloodstock pony grand prix: Melanie Weal (Te Awamutu) Hopeful Illusion 1, Morgan Percy (Masterton) Surprise Illusion 2, Briar Burnett-Grant (Taupo) Mighty Maximus 3, Kalah McKay (Levin) Kabo So Far 4, Caitlyn Horton (New Plymouth) Limerick's Black Samba 5, Shaun Fannin (Hastings) Sir Samson 6.

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