Nutting It Out

Larsen Sawmilling Equestrian Championships in Gisborne

January 23-25, 2009

Nutting It Out

Tess Williams is on a make up mission.

The 19-year-old from Gisborne today (Saturday) headed off a small but quality field to take the young rider class on her horse Walnut Brown at the Larsen Sawmilling Equestrian Championships.

This time last year she could only watch from the sideline after breaking her collarbone – when she was leading the prestigious young rider series. The injury sidelined her for the best part of two months, dashing any hopes of winning the series.

But now, she has that series crown in her sights....as do a few of her mates. It's always a tussle between Williams and good friend Caroline Parkes (Gisborne), who had to settle for second on their home track today.

Ten started the class but none managed clear rounds over the Gerrit Beker (Tauranga) designed course, so Williams, Parkes and Rachel Bentall (Hawke's Bay) who had four faults apiece, went through to jump off.

Bentall and Kiwi Brave were first out but dropped the last fence collecting four faults and stopping the clock at 34.29. Next out was Williams who knew the only option was fast and clear with Parkes to follow her. She did just that, coming home in 32.41.

It was all going beautifully for Parkes and her horse Bush Magic, who looked to be ahead on the clock, until the last when the combination slid into the fence meaning four faults in 34.12, giving the win to Williams.

Williams, who is just back from captaining the New Zealand showjumping team to gold at the Youth Olympic Festival in Australia, was sitting in second spot on the all-important leader board, and the win may just sneak her ahead.

Tomorrow sees the World Cup (NZ) series final and the announcement of the New Zealand team to compete in the tri nations competition against Japan and South Africa. The first round of the tri nations is at the Kelt Capital Horse of the Year Show with the remaining legs in Japan and South Africa later in the year.

Meanwhile Simon Wilson (Waipukurau) snatched the top spot on the World Cup leader board with his win on Friday in the speed class, putting him a point ahead of Anna Trent (Hawke's Bay) over their top four rounds, with Maurice Beatson (Dannevirke) just two points further back.

But no-one is cracking the champagne just yet with the final round to be jumped tomorrow (Sunday) afternoon.

Results -

Toyota young rider: Tess Williams (Gisborne) Walnut Brown 1, Caroline Parkes (Gisborne) Bush Magic 2, Rachel Bentall (Hawke's Bay) Kiwi Brave 3, Samantha Peters (Whangarei) Likeable NZPH 4, Emma Williams (Masterton) Cricklewood Ace 5, Danielle Maurer (Auckland) Guardami 6.

Astek Stud five year old: Sally Steiner (Tauranga) Shalimah Distellation, Mathew Dickey (Taranaki) Deano, Melanie Purcell (Whakatane) Volley, Team Grand Meadows Rachel McGregor (Auckland) Premium Henton Executive, Sally Steiner (Tauranga) Quorum NZPH =1.

Mitavite six year old: Bridget Hansen (Hawke's Bay) Cortaflex Paris Jewel NZPH, John MacLennan (Waipukurau) Mr Marmite, Maurice Beatson (Dannevirke) Winter Warrior =1.

Cushionride seven year old: Katie McVean (Mystery Creek) Dunstan Delphi 1, Team That Horse Claire Wilson (Waipukurau) Sacred Hill Tipsey 2, Phillp Steiner (Tauranga) Online NZPH 3, Sally Steiner (Tauranga) Optional NZPH 4, Tasha Brown (Tauranga) Maserati 5, Catherine Cameron (Cambridge) Vespera SL 6.

Open horse 1.35m: Anna Stephen (Martinborough) Constantine 1, Maurice Beatson (Dannevirke) Jedi Warrior 2, Maurice Beatson (Dannevirke) Kiwi Relic 3, Anna Trent (Hawke's Bay) Cortaflex Nicalette NZPH 4, Melissa McBreen (Gisborne) All Black 5, Catherine Cameron (Cambridge) Kahurangi Tardak 6.

Amateur rider: Chris Peterson (Whakatane) Black Hawke 1, Sharon Meek (Waihi) Dingo Creek 2, Caroline Pearson (Kawerau) Bill Bo Baggins 3, Noni Morgan (Hastings) El Molino 4.

Open pony 1.2m: Luke Dee (Gisborne) Maximus 1, Candice Fox (Whitford) Dixie Chic 2, Vicki Berger (Dargaville) Chocolate Splash 3, Charlotte Myers (Hawera) Miss Coruba 4, Luke Dee (Gisborne) Condoleeza 5.

Showjumping development medal class for ponies: Tinesha Carey (Hawke's Bay) Commando of Glenwood 1, Claudia Muller (Hawera) Sir Callaghan 2, Lily Toothil (Auckland) Magpie 3, Jack Williams (Gisborne) Mr Bee Brown 4.

ends

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