Seven seven-year-old horses entered the ring to jump-off for the title in the Dunstan Nutrition-sponsored class, but it was Graffiti MH who claimed the honour,s producing a lovely clear round for Melody Matheson.
Melody had the advantage of going last. “I knew Fraser was the one to beat. I turned tighter on a couple of corners, which is easy to do on my horse; she is big and powerful.” It paid off, when the pair came home 0.42 seconds faster than Fraser Tombleson on Mea I.
Graffiti MH (known as “G”) was impressive. “She is definitely one for the future,” Melody thinks. “I’ve done my first Grand Prix on her, at Dannevirke; we went slow but did a double clear and ended up second. She has it in her to go higher.”
The mare was bred by Matthews Hanoverians, and has also had wins at eventing, dressage and show hunter. She is by the outstanding European stallion Graf Top, out of Elodie.
While G’s next class at HOY will be the Premier Stakes on Saturday, Melody is aiming for higher honours in the future. She hasn’t got plans to travel overseas to compete until “it is at the highest level.” This could include “the World Cup final, or WEG perhaps.”
G has attitude, according to Melody. “Sometimes she is a fire-breathing dragon but that attitude adds to her ability, it makes her special. She was bred to perform.” Sue Thompson helps out with coaching, and was on hand to help her warm up today. Melody also says that Maurice Beatson is “really good at giving good advice”.
Results
| 1 | Graffiti MH | Melody Matheson | 45.76 | 0 |
| 2 | Mea I | Fraser Tombleson | 46.18 | 0 |
| 3 | AMS Ajaccio NZPH | Leeshelle Small | 44.22 | 4 |
| 4 | Athena NZPH | Daniel Blundell | 45.45 | 4 |
| 5 | Popeye | Jesse Linton | 44.31 | 8 |
| 6 | Absolute NZPH | Nakeysha Lammers | 50.15 | 8 |
| 7 | Intellect | Logan Massie | 56.22 | 8 |
