Jessica Woods & Kings Soleil. Photo: Diana Dobson

Bred to race Kings Soleil has proved to be a perfect trade for Jessica Woods. Today the Ohaupo combination won the Taupo Veterinary Centre CCN105-L Open having led from the get-go.

She acquired the horse two years ago in a trade with Jess Land. “I had a horse who just wanted to showjump and she had this one who was better suited to eventing.” Turns out they were both bang on the money.

Jessica has competed nine-year-old Kings Soleil at 2* level but the two parted company at Kihikihi. “For him to come out here and still trust me is great. I am stoked.”

The two finished the competition on their 30.6 penalty point dressage score. “The cross country was really nice and inviting. There were some definite questions you really to ride but after the tough ones you had a let off, which is really nice and so important for the younger horses.”

She has plenty of trust in the horse and admits to a few nerves coming into the showjumping. “I was a bit worried – the scores were tight and we had pouring rain and stodgy going but I trust him implicitly.”

She plans to establish Kings Soleil at 2* level and see how he goes. 

Molly O’Leary (Auckland) and Simply Mitch worked their way through the field to take second place, with Greer Bullock (Reporoa) and JA Candy Girl doing the same. The two were tied throughout the competition with Molly taking the edge on her cross country time.

Results –

Taupo Veterinary Centre CCN105-L Open: Jessica Woods (Ohaupo) Kings Soleil 30.6 penalty points 1, Molly O’Leary (Auckland) Simply Mitch 34.9 2,

Greer Bullock (Reporoa) JA Candy Girl 34.9 3, Anna Robertson (Christchurch) Valkyrie II 35 4, Cassie Hodder (Te Awamutu) Schiavo 35.6 5, Georgia Dagg (Auckland) Kataza 37.5 6.