There was plenty for the Kiwis to take away from a very challenging CCN4*-S class at the Sydney International Three Day Event.
The Aussies kindly allowed a trio of New Zealanders to compete in the Olympic styled class, which was won by Stuart Tinney and Celebration, who led from the start, adding just 1.6 cross country time penalties to their 26.8 dressage score to finish on 28.4. Just behind him was Shane Rose aboard Virgil who added 1.2 showjumping time penalties to his dressage score to finish on 30, with Stuart Tinney and Leporis third on 31.6 after adding time penalties in both the cross country and showjumping phases.
Bundy Philpott and Tresca NZPH were the best of the New Zealanders, finishing in fifth place on 37.1 penalty points. They were clear in both jumping phases, adding time in both.
“Tresca is just super,” she said. “He came out today and jumped amazing. He never gave me a moment of concern. Yesterday the ground was not great but I looked after him and he was so brave and honest. Today went like clockwork. I couldn’t be happier.”
Maddy Crowe and Waitangi Pinterest had a unlucky rail in the showjumping this evening to finish the competition in sixth place on 69 penalty points. “She was quite short coming out of the treble and she only just touched it,” said Maddy. “It is disappointing. It was tough yesterday but she came out fit, healthy and bright today. I am thrilled with her recovery.”
Maddy was disappointed with her “pilot error” during the cross country which slipped her straight off the podium. “She didn’t deserve it and it just didn’t need to happen. She was trying her guts out and I let her down in that split second.”
Clarke Johnstone withdrew Balmoral Sensation before the showjumping. “He jumped a really good clear round (in the cross country) but just wasn’t right, so was withdrawn from the competition so we can find out what is wrong. It is too early to know at this stage. It’s disappointing because he jumped the cross country really well. There were no issues – as you would expect with him but the going was deep in places and he got quite tired. He is more of a top of the ground type of guy.”
ESNZ high performance general manager Jock Paget said he was very pleased with the efforts of all the riders – there had been some unlucky moments, but they had all been very professional and great ambassadors for New Zealand.
Aussie-based Kiwi Hayley Frielick and Dunedin Black Watch finished third in the CCI4*-L on 53.3 penalty points. The class was won by Sam Woods aboard Cage Fighter on 48.4 with Andrew Cooper and Omega Star second on 48.5.
Bundy Philpott was pleased with her youngster Jerry, who competed in the CCI3*-S who was clear in both jumping phases, adding just time penalties to finish the event in 14th place. The class was won by Emma Bishop and CP Issey Miyake.
Georgia van der Drift and Regal completed the CCI2*-S in 13th place. Soigne Jackson and Warrego Collateral Damage won the class on 40.7 penalty points.
The horse details:
Waitangi Pinterest – owned by the Crowe Family
Tresca NZPH – owned by Bryan and Bundy Philpott
Balmoral Sensation – owned by the Johnstone Family
Dunedin Black Watch – owned by Kathryn Robertson
Jerry – owed by Juliet Wood and Bundy Philpott
Regal – owned by Georgia Van Der Drift
By Diana Dobson – HP Media Liaison