March 17, 2010

New Zealand's young riders have didn't have it all their own way on the opening day of the Kelt Capital Horse of the Year Show in Hastings yesterday.

Queensland's young crew did their country proud by drawing first blood in the Trans Tasman Young Rider Challenge.

Riding borrowed horses, the four Queensland riders head into the second day with a three point buffer over both the New Zealand and NZ Composite teams who tied for second equal spot.

The victory came as no surprise to Australian chef d'equipe Alison Ford who ranked her team as one of the strongest in years.

It included Gemma Creighton, daughter of Olympian Guy, top junior riders Olivia Hamood and Tom Sedger, and Kirsty Ansell.

Double clear rounds were spread between the teams, with New Zealand's Chloe Akers (Palmerston North) riding the big grey Sirocco Hercules and Rachel McGregor (Auckland) aboard Outward Bound, Composite team member Brad Cunningham (Christchurch) on the character-filled Snora, and Aussie Sedger on Pay Day NZPH all leaving clean slates.

The competition continues today and tomorrow, with the pools of horses changing between the teams.

Results

Trans Tasman Young Rider Challenge:
1: Queensland
Olivia Hamood, Winard Albert (owned by Amanda Wards) clear, 4 faults;
Kirsty Ansell, Repias Harty (owned by Chris Hansen) 8 faults, 12 faults;
Gemma Creighton, Matakau (owned by Robyn Coupe) 4 faults, 4 faults;
Tom Sedger, Pay Day NZPH (owned by Warrick Hansen) clear, clear;
total from best three riders over both rounds, 12 faults.

2=: New Zealand
Chloe Akers (Palmerston North) Sirocco Hercules (owned by John Couper) clear, clear;
Helen Bruce (Palmerston North) Fasaadi (owned by Jenna Mahoney) 12 faults, 16 faults;
Rachel McGregor (Auckland) Outward Bound (owned by the Bentall Family) clear, clear;
Tess Williams (Gisborne) My Word (owned by Nadine McFadzien) 12 faults, 4 faults;
total from best from three, 16 faults

2=: NZ Composite
Tegan Fitzsimon (Christchurch) Miss Victoria (owned by Devon van Til) 4 faults, 4 faults;
Brad Cunningham (Christchurch) Snora (owned by Bailey Marshall) clear, clear;
Rachael Bentall (Hastings) Kapka (owned by Susie Hamilton) 4 faults, 4 faults;
Danielle Maurer (Auckland) Mahoenui (owned by Ruth Hone) 4 faults, 8 faults;
best from three 16 faults.

Queensland 5 points, New Zealand and NZ Composite 2 points.