Jeffrey Amon & My Silver Lining. Photo: Spot on Photo
Jeffery Amon planned to just have a nice steady final outing in the Stirling Collection CCN2*-L Open with his 14-year-old gelding My Silver Lining . . . instead the competitive duo came from behind to take the class.
He’s had the horse for six years and last year won the 105 open with him when coming back from injury. This year, My Silver Lining pulled a shoe and bruised his foot at Kihikihi so dropped him back to 2* at Taupo.
“We were going for a canter round at the end of the season,” he said. “We didn’t go hard on the cross country either . . . just did a nice quiet round under time. To win is always special, especially against some of those horses in that class.”
Despite riding at higher levels, Jeffrey says he never takes anything for granted when competing. “He’s had a couple of 4* starts for top 10 finishes. This weekend we just wanted to finish a good season – it’s been a long one!”
The horse is now for sale. “He’s done his job and taught me a lot,” says the Murupara 22-year-old. “He was green and naughty when I got him but he loves his cross country and is very genuine and easy going on the flat. He jumps so well and is a good horse.”
Today, Jeffrey took a rail in the showjumping but still moved from third to first. Overnight leader Clarke Johnstone (Matangi) and Aces High withdrew before the showjumping. Matthew Grayling (Okato) and Henton Ambassador moved up from fourth to second after adding four faults, with Louise Mullholland (Taumarunui) and George of the Jungle flying up the leaderboard from seventh to third thanks to a lovely double clear.
Thirteen of the 20 original starters completed the three days.
Results: Stirling Collection CCN2*-L Open:
Jeffrey Amon (Murupara) 34.4 penalty points 1, Matthew Grayling (Okato) Henton Ambassador 35.7 2, Louise Mulholland (Taumarunui) George of the Jungle 36.9 3, Angela Lloyd (Clevedon) Lyrical 38.2 4, Samantha Mynott (Matangi) BV Illusionist 39.1 5, Aiden Viviers (Wairarapa) Giselle II 41.1 6.