New Zealand’s Best Heading to Nation’s Premier Show

It’s no surprise there’s high interest from international riders and sponsors keen to be part of the second Takapoto Estate Show Jumping Festival.
Tickets for New Zealand’s most beautiful private show are now on sale, through Eventfinda (target="_blank">www.eventfinda.co.nz), and show director Jaime Campbell expects a sell-out across the board. As well as world-class competition, the 2019 two week event boasts the best of the nation’s young blood – both horses and riders alike.

Takapoto Estate is the brainchild of the Plaw family, and the show of philanthropists Mitchell and Kate Plaw who are involved in New Zealand high performance, pathway and community sport. No expense has been spared in establishing Takapoto Estate as the leader in New Zealand equestrian.

The show debuted in 2018 and quickly gained a reputation as the one to follow.

Set amongst more than half a million native trees on a stunningly-beautiful landscaped 600 acres, the fields quickly filled and those slow to enter rued their tardiness.

It has become as well known for the social functions as for the quality of horses and riders. For 2019 there are a number of functions across the days with the highlights being the second weekend’s festivities – Saturday night’s APL Cocktail Party (March 2) and Sunday’s VIP Grand Prix Day Lunch (March 3) which is being held to coincide with the Ann Symes Memorial Derby and Gold Tour Grand Prix.

Around 10 Australian combinations are expected to cross the Tasman for the event which runs from February 21-March 3 in two blocks (February 21-24 and February 26-March 3). Takapoto Equestrian’s top rider, Olympian Samantha McIntosh will again be coming home from her European base to compete and be part of the show.
Top New Zealand course designer Gerrit Beker will challenge riders taking part in the first week, with celebrated German course designer Frank Rothenberger in charge in the second.

The show is run in a European style, with gold, silver and bronze tours, junior, amateur and pony tours, along with age group sections, and qualifying classes, building to finals. With $142,000 prize money on offer over the two weeks, there is plenty of incentive to do well. Entries opened on December 10 and within hours the 450 horse ceiling was almost reached.

Another big draw card for the show is the Global Amateur Tour which will have at stake the New Zealand International Cup. Riders from across the globe compete in the tour aboard borrowed horses. It will be the first time it has been contested in New Zealand, with other events held in Mexico, Morocco and Argentina, among other places.

“We strive to be the very best and are looking to raise the bar even further in 2019,” says Ms Campbell. “Interest in the show is huge and we know 2019 will be another incredible celebration. It’s an event people want to be at and don’t need to be horsey to appreciate and enjoy what they are watching.”
While the 2018 show was lauded for the standard it set, there has been further development in preparation for the 2019 show.

WHAT: Takapoto Estate Showjumping
WHERE: 90 Finlay Road, Maungatautari, Cambridge
WHEN: February 21-24 and February 26-March 3, 2019
MORE INFO: Follow us on Facebook – Takapoto Estate Show Jumping
TICKETS: www.eventfinda.co.nz

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