Fitzsimon defends show jumping crown
Canterbury’s Tegan Fitzsimon expertly rode superstar horse Windermere Cappuccino to a second consecutive national show jumping title in perfect conditions in Christchurch.
An enthusiastic crowd was treated to ideal weather and some excellent performances, but Windermere Cappucino again occupied centre stage with two clear rounds yesterday.
The national title competitions are run over five rounds during the fourday show and yet it came down to the very last jump in the fifth and final round. The leader board had changed after each of the four previous rounds with Fitzsimon emerging the leader at the end of the fourth. The pressure was therefore on her for the last round, with no room for error.
Wellington’s Sophie Scott and Lakota had just jumped a clear round in the fifth round, so Fitzsimon, who was last to go, knew she had to deliver another clear to win. If she had a rail, the title would have gone to her rival.
Fitzsimon and Windermere Cappucino – known as Vollie – certainly did deliver, never looking like faulting as they defended their title.
‘‘It certainly was a tight competition,’’ Fitzsimon said.
‘‘There was a bit of pressure on going into the last round but Vollie pushed on. He is just phenomenal. He gives me 110 per cent each time and I am so grateful to have the ride on him and still have him with me.’’
The Open Pony Championship was also a top competition with a great family tussle between Oamaru’s Emma Gillies and her older sister, Samantha, but it was Emma who got the upper hand ton Sunday on Benrose Playtime.
Canterbury rider Katie Meredith had an excellent show, winning three titles, including the National Rising Star Championship.