Top Notch Show Raring to Go

The weather may not be playing ball but it is still all systems go for the Giltrap Audi Premier Jumping Festival at Woodhill Sands this weekend.

Organisers made the tough decision to move ring one competition from the beautifully manicured grass arena to the sand. “We’ve had so much rain,” says Show Jumping Waitemata chair Emma Buckingham. “We’ve been working as hard as we can to make sure we can go ahead as the weather looks much dryer for the weekend but despite our best efforts, the grass arena is out of action.”

She says no-one is more disappointed than their very hard-working committee. “The decision has not been made lightly and is a horse welfare issue, not a case of saving the arena for another day.”

But the good news was that Show Jumping Waitemata has three “fantastic rings of equipment”. It’s meant a juggle with some classes but everything is now good to go with near maximum entries.

Saturday is a very full day of competition with some rather special events on Sunday including the sell-out High Tea, with a gold coin donation for the Breast Cancer Foundation. “We’d love to see a sea of pink at the High Tea,” says Emma, “and we’ve got some great prizes for the best dressed pink lady and gentleman.”

The exciting Sponsors’ Charity Challenge starts at noon on Sunday and is always an edge-of-your-seat affair. Pick your favs and make sure they can hear you from the arena. The main class of the day is the Giltrap Audi Classic which will follow the Sponsors’ Charity Challenge. Watch out for the course walk.

Also watch out for the 75cm championship for under-12s which is in ring three on Sunday.

The show is hugely grateful for the support of its sponsors – Giltrap Audi, GJ Gardner Homes and the Kumeu Village Rest Home. “Without that support, we just wouldn’t be able to run this very special show.”

Danielle Watts is the course designer for ring one, Edward Bullock in ring two and Gina Moss in ring three.

WHAT: Giltrap Audi Premier Jumping Festival

WHERE: Woodhill Sands, Auckland

WHEN: January 14-15, 2023 ENTRIES AND RESULTS: www.evoevents.co.n