Katie McVean and Corofino II headed off 30 other combinations to win the Norwood Gold Cup at the Kelt Capital Horse of the Year Show yesterday.
Her grandfather Len McVean, a former Australian Olympic selector, was on hand to watch her win the same class her father Jeff had won twice before.
The historic cup was first presented in 1967 and sports the names of some of the best riders in Australasia.
McVean, 23, was one of seven through to the jump-off. Ahead of her Billy Raymont and Cortaflex Nicalette NZPH had laid down the gauntlet going clear in 36.20. Next out was Maurice Beatson and his home-bred Jedi Warrior who dropped three rails and stopped the clock in 36.88.
One of the stars of the class, Christchurch's Brad Cunningham and 12-year-old Cheltenham, were smoking their way around the course, setting the fastest time of the class but paying for it with a rail at the last.
Then came Catherine Cameron on Kahurangi Valentino who took a rail, followed by McVean and the 12-year-old Holsteiner. They sliced corners where others hadn't dared and left everything intact - despite a rather hairy last jump.
Chris Harris and Zilco Te Peka Luciano almost pulled it off but took the last, relegating them to third spot, with Beatson back out on Zibbibo taking a rail - and their time - around the course.
McVean says she knew she'd have to put some pace on to beat Raymont and the only place she could see to make it was going into the second jump. "He's going to be dangerous all show."
Her other mounts in the class - Dunstan Forrest II and Dunstan Daffodil picked up four faults apiece in the opening round.
Corofino arrived in the country in September and has been competing here since December, but he's had plenty of breeding duties to see to. McVean opted to rest him heading into the HoY and says it was most certainly the right choice.
"It is really special to win these top trophies that dad has," she says, "and it is awesome to have Pop here too."
In coming days the show will feature the Lady Rider of the Year, the Young Rider of the Year,the Silver Fern Stakes, including the Nations Cup competition between New Zealand and Australia, and the big one on Sunday, with the Bell Tea Olympic Cup for Showjumper of the Year.
More than 2600 combinations are competing at the show in 18 disciplines in 28 arenas.
Tonight is a gala dinner to celebrate the induction of the first people into the Horse of the Year Hall of Fame. The evening is a sell-out, and just who will be honoured is a closely guarded secret.
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