The FMG Norwood Gold Cup is the first chance to see the really big guns at the Land Rover Horse of the Year Show. And it was an extremely popular win this year for Kawerau rider Tom Tarver-Priebe and his beautiful big grey Popeye; the pair were one of just two combinations from 36 starters to go double clear over Werner Deeg’s imposing track, but were a whacking 8.49 seconds faster than the second placegetters, Australian Brooke Langbecker on Quintago I.
Popeye (Cardento/Cufflink) was bred by Kim and Greg Best, and has been a consistent performer through the age-group series, firstly with Jesse Linton.
Last year’s Norwood winner William Willis had to settle for third on Dollar Roll MS (Dollar de la Pierre), being the fastest of two four-faulters in the jump-off.
Australian Clint Beresford was fourth on Emmaville Jitterbug, and Katie Laurie fifth on Cera Caruso, with two rails down in the jump-off.
Unluckiest rider of all was young Brayden Aarts, who was eliminated for two refusals at fence one in the first round on Binverter, went on to jump a lovely clear on LT Holst Aunty Annette, and was decanted from her when she stopped in the jump-off.
