It’s been a solid day of dressage for New Zealand eventers competing in the Mitsubishi Motors Australian International 3 Day Event in Adelaide with three combinations in the top seven across two classes.

National three day champ Madison Crowe and Waitangi Pinterest are leading the 13-strong CCI4*-S class, sitting on 28.5 penalty points with Olympian Shane Rose and Easy Turn in second on 28.7. “I am really pleased with her today,” said the Matangi-based rider. “She was pretty excited and she definitely was hotter than she has ever been before but thankfully she stayed focused and pulled off a really tidy test. She is such a honey and tries so hard.”

Her efforts drew high praise from ESNZ specialist Eventing dressage coach Penny Castle. “Madison was the highlight, managing her horse who was a little lit up as well but rode well to a great lead score.”

In the CCI5*-L, Diane Gilder (Auckland) and Your Attorney are the best of the Kiwis in fifth spot on 33.4 penalty points with Amanda Pottinger aboard Just Kidding in seventh on 34.1. Bundy Philpott and Tresca NZPH sit just outside the top 10 on 35.7 with Hayley Frielick and Class Action LP scoring 43.6 in the 19-strong class which is headed by Emma Bishop aboard CP Issey Miyake on 30.3 penalty points.

Diane was over the moon and was still smiling when she arrived back at the truck. “It was a big atmosphere and I am super proud of Basil,” she said. “He is a legend.” And she was hugely appreciative of all the support from Kiwis at home and in Adelaide.

Their efforts caught the eye of Penny too, who said there was plenty to like in their first 5* outing with a mistake-free effort.

Amanda (Havelock North) was a little disappointed with Just Kidding, who last year placed second at the event. “He was simply not settled enough to display any of the work he is capable of which was a shame for everyone involved,” she said.

Penny said while the horse had some tension there were still highlights to be had. Amanda is looking forward to tomorrow’s cross country. “The course is very decent although it feels more familiar after doing it last year, there is a lot of work to do.”

Bundy admitted while dressage wasn’t easy for Tresca NZPH, he felt great today. “He went super, was really rideable and tried so hard,” said the Cambridge eventer. Penny praised their “very accurate” and clean round.

Hayley was also happy with the efforts of Class Action LP. “He tried really hard and I don’t think his score quite reflected how much he has improved, so I am really proud of him.”

TIMETABLE:

Event

Date

Adelaide Time

NZL Time

5* Cross Country

Saturday 16th

12.45pm

3.15pm

5* Showjumping

Sunday 17th

3.15pm

5.45pm

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HORSE DETAILS:
Tresca – owned by Bundy Philpott
Just Kidding – owned by the Pottinger Family
Your Attorney – owned by Diane Gilder
Class Action FP – owned by Hayley Frielick
Waitangi Pinterest – owned by the Crowe Family
Dunedin the Brave – owned by Kathryn Robertson
Dunedin Black Watch – owned by Kathryn Robertson
Mexico II – owned by the Rowley Family

By Diana Dobson – HP Media Liaison
Photos by Libby Law/ESNZ