Endurance riders hit the beach

The combination, which has been together only since Easter this year, had an impressive completion in the 80km Open Junior ride, winning the division and Kit Kat also taking out the best conditioned junior horse title.

Run over two 40km loops, the course took riders along the surf and sand at Oreti Beach and through forestry and river-side tracks.

Damp and windy conditions cleared to leave a good riding temperature and no horses suffered any metabolic stresses.

Mount Linton's Sandy Point ride is a favourite with endurance riders, and yesterday proved no exception. Riders were complimentary of the track, which provides consistent footing and a variety of scenery.

The Open 80km ride was won by Timaru's Vanessa Tiffin on Gazzah in 4:07.59, and the combination also won the best conditioned title. Jordan Dent and Gipzy crossed the finish line close behind, in 4:08.00.

Open 80km
1 Vanessa Tiffin - Gazza - 4:07.59 1 and Best Conditioned
2 Jordan Dent - Gipzy 4:08.00
3 Enrique Searel - Hills of Mist
4 Kevin Brosnahan - Glendaar Greystar
Qualified: Sarah Hamer - Glendaar Iraklis
Angela Head - CD Fred
Trevor Copland - Dell Dancer

Junior 80km
1 Jorja James - Glenvar Kit Kat 4:51.48
2 Brooke Candy - Velvet Fire 4:51.50

Novice 80km qualifiers
Brigitte Stann - CD Uproar
Ingrid Anbrosiuffen - CD Shaka

Open 40km
Marie Smith - Cotta 2:23.51

Novice 40km
Dave Anderson - Highland Splash 3:32.10

25km
Cheryl McKenzie - Vortigerne
Chantelle Pile - Pingalo

(provisional)