NZ riders sitting in top three
New Zealand holds pole position at the Oceania Championships, filling the top three slots in the CCI3 star field with just the showjumping to go.
Jock Paget ( Taupo) and Angus Blue are leading the charge, with Ginny Thompson (Kaukapakapa) and Star Nouveau in second and Samantha Felton ( Matangi) aboard Ricker Ridge Pico Boo third.
The Equestrian Entries Senior Team sit 18.2 penalty points clear of hosts Australia.
However, Australia have the edge in the CCI2 star where they sit 57 penalty points ahead of the Bombers Equestrian and Hidez New Zealand Young Rider Team.
The championships, which are being held at the Saddleworld Melbourne International Three Day Event, produced an exciting day of competition, with thousands of people scattered around the course to watch.
“Overall, it was a great result from all our riders,” New Zealand team manager Eliza Riedel said.
“The senior team all rode very professional rounds — they rode that course as they planned to do. It’s been a great day.”
Paget and Angus Blue were clear and inside time to remain on their dressage score of 46.9 penalty points.
Paget praised the efforts of Andy Daines (Kumeu) who despite a challenging round still made sure he got home to get a score on the board.
“He really gave Sam and I the green light to go for it,” said Paget. “Angus Blue did it very easily — it was a tough course but he was so on form and felt beautiful.”
Felton was also chuffed with Ricker Ridge Pico Boo. They had a stunning clear, adding just four time penalties to their tally.
“He was fantastic,” she said. “He felt really solid everywhere. I was a little keen in places. It wasn’t my prettiest round ever but it was effective. We all have another job to do [today].”
Defending MI3DE champions Stuart Tinney and War Hawk are the best of the Australian team in fifth place on 52.6, with Robert Palm and Koko Story seventh on 53.9 and Andrew Cooper aboard Evergem Perfection ninth on 54.9. The Australians lost their fourth combination Hazel Shannon and Clifford, who parted company at fence six.
Abby Long (Levin) and Enzo are the best of the Young Riders, sitting sixth on 48.1 after going clear and inside time.
Today is the second horse inspection before the final test, the showjumping round.