Rain Not Dampening Spirits at Premier Show
What an opening day to the Giltrap Audi Premier Jumping Festival! Yes, the weather delivered it’s four seasons in one day but equally everyone is so happy to be back competing at this very popular show.
There were plenty of spectators lining the bank to watch the action today, with some fabulous competition and exciting jump-offs.
The bulk of the ESNZ series classes were held today with Charlotte Wear (Taupo) and Double Shot NZPH the stars of the POLi Payments Premier League Series class (in conjunction with GJ Gardner Homes) with their clear round taking the win. It was their first-ever premier start and only their second win.
Locals were claiming Charlotte as their own, given she was based in Waitemata for a while, but now domiciled in Taupo where she juggles track work with riding dressage, sport horses and her own.
James Steiner was a popular debutant winner of the Country TV Pony Grand Prix Series class aboard Sophia and Fiona Hall’s TCH Centadel. As the son of World Cup riders Phillip and Sally Steiner, he’s well-bred to be a little star in the showjumping arena and didn’t disappoint today over a challenging Danielle Watts-designed course.
It’s thanks to younger brother Oliver’s obsession with motor bikes that he even got the ride, but now there’s no way he’s giving it up. Now the 15-year-old is tilting for Pony of the Year.
Deanna Horsburgh (Matangi) and Entourage NZPH were the winners of a very competitive Harrison Lane Pro-Am Rider Series class (in conjunction with Burmester Realty) who were double clear to take the win in rather wet conditions.
The newly graduated nurse is based with Vaughn Jefferis at Matangi and has been carefully bringing the horse through the grades. Her patience is paying off and she says starting him has just been the best thing ever.
Takapoto Equestrian team rider Tyla Hackett took slick lines to a whole new level slicing more than five seconds off her closest opposition to take the FMG Young Rider Series class (in conjunction with Canter for Cancer) aboard Takapoto Yirrkala Smokey.
Fellow speed demons Nakeysha Lammers (Taranaki) and Balboa NZPH are well known for their efficient lines too, and they didn’t disappoint today in the Torque Digital 1.35m Welcome Stakes, with showie turned jumper Matisse Masterson and Jay-Z GNZ flying home to take the win in the VetPro 1.25m Welcome Stakes.
The High Tea marquee is looking a treat with pink on pink on pink. It is a feast for the eyes, and the decorating team have done themselves proud, with a stunning flower wall and so much more. Tomorrow’s High Tea is stacking up to be something quite special – and fittingly so as it’s all for the Breast Cancer Foundation.
Show Jumping Waitemata chair Emma Buckingham extended a huge thank you to the many volunteers who were working so hard to bring the show together. “The conditions have been tricky, but thankfully everything is coming together so well,” she said.
Competition in ring one gets underway at 9am tomorrow (Sunday) with the much anticipated Sponsors’ Charity Challenge set to go at noon followed by the Giltrap Audi Horse 1.4m Classic.