Puhinui Preview

 

Mr Hokey Pokey has enjoyed previous outings at Puhinui.

There’s  a strong field in the Honda CIC3* class at Puhinui this weekend. Eighteen combinations are lining up – boosted no doubt by many who need the run after the HOY cross-country cancellation.

Donna Edwards-Smith has two in the class, DSE Tangalooma and DSE Mr Hokey Pokey who leads the ESNZ’s Super League series at this point.  Virginia Thompson’s Star Nouveau is lying second in the series and loves this venue, having won the CCI3* two years in a row, but won’t be there this weekend. Ginny has just announced that she is heading to Australia in early April, and is going to be based with Sam Lyle in Sydney for two months. She will compete at Camden, Sydney and Melbourne events while in Australia.

A busy woman at the best of times, Samantha Felton is going to be extra-busy this weekend with three horses (Ricker Ridge Escada, Ricker Ridge Rui and Ricker Ridge Pico Boo) in the three-star class, and three others entered in other classes.

Samantha Felton in action

Another busy person is Diane Gilder, as while she has Your Attorney in the three-star class, she is also secretary for the event. Good on you, Diane! Unfortunately, not all riders have stepped up on the volunteering front – there are more jump judges needed!

Diane Gilder and Your Attorney (Image: Libby Law)

Adding to the excitement of the weekend, Clarke Johnstone has Balmoral Sensation entered Hors Concour in the Veterinary Associations CNC1*. As he is riding HC, the other competitors do have a chance, as he won’t be in to collect any prizes, just there for the run.

Another famous name making an appearance is Quimbo who will be in the Bomber Bits CNC105 Amateur and Grassroots class, ridden by Charlotte Sellar.  He will be joined in this by Xanthus III who has usually been ridden by Blyth Tait, but this weekend will be ridden by Fiona Fraser. Blyth has signalled recently that he may give Xanthus another 3- or 4-star start in the spring, at either the Puhinui three-day event, or -Adelaide.

Xanthus III – may be seen out again competing in the big events! (Image: Libby Law Photography)

The riders will be keen to show selectors their form, as the competition hots up for places in the Oceania team to compete at Melbourne Three-Day Event in June. New Zealand is sending both a senior and a junior team and the selectors will no doubt be keeping an eye on proceedings at Puhinui. While some of the potential junior team members are competing in the Honda CIC3* there are some competing in the other classes. The iSpyHorses CIC2* is a strong class with 31 horses entered. Vicki Browne-Cole and her lovely grey Eli are one of the combinations the selectors will be watching closely in this class, whereas one of the other new additions to the squad list, Beth Wilson, has opted to compete Alto et Audax in the Honda CIC1*.

Vicky Browne-Cole and Eli through the Puhinui water on a previous occasion (Image: Libby Law Photography)

Good luck to competitors and organisers, and to those lucky enough to combine eventing with the Adele concert!

Dressage and show jumping will be on Saturday with the cross-country on Sunday.

 

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