Robert Steele rides LT Holst Bernadette
Credit: KAMPIC / Sarah Lord

Image by KAMPIC 

Robert Steele knew he had to go quick and clear to take the win among an experienced field in the Dunstan Horsefeeds and Equifibre Horse Grand Prix in Wairarapa at the weekend.

Steele (Dannevirke) and his nine-year-old Holsteiner mare LT Holst Bernadette were one of only four combinations to make it to the jump off at the Wairarapa A&P Show. 

Steele who was first to go in the jump-off and says the pressure of having three very quick combinations to follow in Brooke Edgecombe, Lucy Fell and Claire Wilson kept him focused.

“I knew I had to be quick but also clear to make them chase my time.”

Steele was clear with a time of 41.87 with Lucy Fell and Tinapai coming in second place.

Steele and imported mare LT Holst Bernadette have three seasons under their belt with a busy few months ahead.  “Plans for the rest of the season are to continue following the Grand Prix series while also jumping a few more World Cups and work towards Horse of the Year,” he says.  

Steele had a successful weekend all round with his team. He notched fourth place aboard Delta Blue in the Purepine Shavings Seven Year Old Series while the rest of his horses also jumped well. 

In the Country TV Pony Grand Prix local rider Georgia Percy (Tinui) and Surprise Illusion took the win with Ruby Mason (Napier) and Mr Acho placing second. These two riders have been neck in neck in the series so far which makes for an exciting watch.

RESULTS – Wairarapa A&P 27-29 October 

Dunstan Horsefeeds and Equifibre Horse Grand Prix: Robert Steele (Dannevirke) LT Host Bernadette 1, Lucy Fell (Longburn) Tinapai 2,  Brooke Edgecombe (Waipukurau) LT Holst Andrea 3, Claire Wilson (Waipukurau) McMillans Fredrika  4, Claire Wilson (Waipukurau) McMillans Chuck 5, Katharine Van Tuyl (Palmerston North) Double J Sunshine 6.

Country TV Pony Grand Prix: Georgia Percy (Tinui) Surprise Illusion 1, Ruby Mason (Napier) Mr Acho 2, Lilly Carpenter (Taihape) Tallyho Mystic 3, Sophie Scott (Wellington) Benrose Eclipse 4, Olivia Apatu (Waipukurau) 5, Sophie Scott (Wellington) Benrose Playtime 6.

FMG Young Rider Series: Sophie Scott (Wellington) Lakota 1, Matt Irvine (Takapau) Wall Street III 2, Ike Baker (Wellington) Centrico 3, Blake Davis (Palmertson North) Orange Country MS 4, Brigitte Smith (Mangaweka) Cintaire 5, Ruby Mason (Napier) Astek Napoleon 6

Dunstan Horsefeeds and Equifibre Junior Rider Series: Matt Irvine (Takapau) La Perla 1, Blake Davis (Palmertson North) T.M. Marjay 2, Ruby Mason (Napier) Peggy Blue 3, Sarah McKinnon (Wairoa) Matilda II 4, Samantha Carrington (Takapau) Double J Breeze On 5, Amanda Steele (Dannevirke) Bear Essentials 6.

Caledonian Holdings Amateur Rider Series: Jo Andrews (Otaki) Ecxtaxy 1, Jacqui Symes (Waipukurau) Double J Recall 2, Caitlin Pemberton (Tangimoana) Popoloca 3, Natasha Mazey (Pukerua Bay) Kabo Lunar 4, Laura Knight (Palmerston North) Aria 5, Marcus Rose (Dannevirke) Kaipara Hold Up 6.

Dunstan Horsefeeds and Equifibre Pro Amateur Rider Series: Tim Pearce (Marton) Oracle WT 1, Stephen Nickalls (Palmertson North) Letino 2, Kathryn Alabaster (Pahiatua) Cricklewood Banjo 3, Tracy Mason (Napier) WP Stella 4, Kathryn Alabaster (Pahiatua) La Luna Rossa 5, Melanie Cooper (Stratford) Zarlo 6.

Purepine Shavings Seven-Year-Old Series: Lucy Fell (Longburn) Faratona STS 1, Jesse Linton (Hastings) Double J Breeze On 2, Julie Davey (Hastings) JD Ruby 3, Robert Steele (Dannevirke) Delta Blue 4, Ash Hart (Hastings) Kiwi Showtime 5, Julie Davey (Hastings) Ngahiwi Stone 6.

Mitavite Six-Year-Old Series: Claire Wilson (Waipukurau) McMillans Payback , Jesse Linton (Hastings) Caption NZPH, Heloise Tolo (Ohariu) Cant Touch This, Lucy Fell (Longburn) Big & Rich =1. 

East Coast Performance Horses Five-Year-Old Series: Brooke Edgecombe (Waipukurau) LT Holst Elizabeth, Ash Hart (Hastings) Kiwi Bonus, Helen Kippen (Havelock North) Dakota NZPH, Kim Best LT Holst (Hastings) Teachers Pet =1.