A “cheeky project” horse proved he has what it takes when he came out and in tricky conditions, won the East Coast Performance Horses Five-Year-Old Young Horse Championship Final.
Jesse Linton bagged his second win in two championship classes at the Sally Apatu and John Bostock National Young Horse Jumping Championships when he steered Double J Larrikin to victory in a three-way jump-off.
Thirty-seven combinations started on day one of the championships, which was whittled down to just 20 for the third day of competition. Course designer Greg Best produced a twisty and challenging jump-off which easily sorted the final order.
First out was Logan Massie (Dannevirke) aboard Corvette ECPH who went clear in 45.26 seconds. Next out was Lucy Olphert (Queenstown) with Centosa who were on track for a clear until the last, finishing the champs on four faults in 37.52 seconds. It was Jesse’s to lose but despite a slip mid-field, he won with a clean slate in 35.66 seconds.
“He is a bit unpredictable and very cheeky,” said Jesse. “He is part Arab which doesn’t help! He has been going well but we have had a few challenges. It was very slippery out there, making for hard jumping but Greg has done really well with the courses.”
Jesse only rides the horse at shows, with breeder Wendy Jacobs riding him at home. “She is quite the horsewoman so it works well.”
Breeder Wendy Jacobs was chuffed with the efforts of the gelding, who was out of her old hunting mare. Kim (daughter) broke the horse in but when she broke her arm, the horse went to Jesse. “He is a bit of a joke at home but my horse to ride at work. I am very proud of him.”
Results – East Coast Performance Horses Five-Year-Old Young Horse Jumping Championship Final: Jesse Linton (Hastings) Double J Larrikin (by Double J Repicharge, out of Ratamill Ascot – bred by Double J Stud) 1, Logan Massie (Dannevirke) Corvette ECPH (by Cassiano, out of Isabella SL – bred by East Coast Performance Horses) 2, Lucy Olphert (Queenstown) Centosa (by Kiwi Centaros, out of Mallt) 3, Jeremy Whale (Hampton Downs) Levi Xtreme (by Corofino II, out of Lanzstar GNZ – bred by Xtreme Sporthorses – Sharleen Workman), Jesse Linton (Hastings) Ceremony (by Euro Sport Centavos, out of Ecxtacy – bred by Jo Andrews), Claire Wilson (Waipukurau) McMillans Swipe Right (by Answer Back, out of Uno Me NZPH – bred by Claire Wilson), Samantha Carrington (Takapau) Double J Odin (by Double J Repicharge, out of Ophelia NZPH – bred by Double J Stud), Brigitte Smith (Mangaweka) Kiwi Capitol Hill (by Kiwi Centrokee, out of Kiwi Fernhill – bred by Graeme Hart, Fernhill Stud), Larina Dolman (Gisborne) The Boss (by Lincoln MVNZ, out of Mea I – bred by Warwick Tombleson), Hannah Bodle (Morrinsville) Classified II (by Cachassini II, out of Jeezmay – bred by V Miller and C Miller-Brown), Tracy Mason (Hawke’s Bay) Kiw Cocokee (by Kiwi Gunsmoke, out of Kiwi Cherogold – bred by Fernhill Stud), and Tristan Thomas (Rerewhakaaitu) Matai Zarite (by Euro Sport Centavos, out of Matai Pedogree Moon – bred by Carin De Groot) =4.
NZPH Style Prize: Daniel Webb (Hunterville) WSJ Starline (by Heartline, out of Constellation – bred by Daniel Webb).
NZ Hanovarian Society Performance Sash: Daniel Webb (Hunterville) WSJ Starline (by Heartline, out of Constellation – bred by Daniel Webb).
For full results, head to www.evoevents.co.nz
Jumping Team
19 December 2021