Sophie Scott riding Waitangi Skynet for the win in the Wilcox Perlas Potatoes NZ Grand Prix Championship (part of the EvoEvents Horse Grand Prix Series) at the Tavendale and Partners New Zealand National Jumping and Show Hunter Championships. Photo by Michelle Clarke Photography.
As soon as Sophie Scott sat aboard Waitangi Skynet, the newly crowned Wilcox Perlas Potatoes NZ Grand Prix Championship (part of the EvoEvents Horse Grand Prix Series) knew he would be special . . . but even he has outdone himself with his efforts this season.
Their victory at the Tavendale and Partners New Zealand National Jumping and Show Hunter Championships in Christchurch at the weekend added to an already bulging trophy cabinet that also includes last season’s Rutherford Cup as the national premier league champ and more recently winner of the POLi Payments FEI World Cup (NZ League) Final.
“When we got him we hoped he would be a good one but he has exceeded all expectations,” said the 21-year-old from Palmerston North. “He is so talented and just loves his job. He tries so hard and just canters around making it all look pretty easy.”
That was certainly the case on Sunday when they left the rest of the rather compact field in their wake.
“He is the best ever,” Sophie says of her grey gelding. “While he is lovely, he does have a very naughty side to him.”
Included in his mischievous antics is the need to always have a friend with him – even for prizegiving. “He gets stressed and nervous and just goes nuts!”
Their win in the Horse Grand Prix topped off an excellent champs, which included . . .
- NZPH and A1 Equine Reproduction NZ National Six-Year-Old (part of the UltraMox Six-Year-Old Series) – 5th with LT Holst Eloquent
- Crombie Lockwood June Cresswell NZ National 1.3m Horse Championship – 3rd on Edison DN and 8th with Valrhona GNZ
- Tavendale and partners NZ National 1.2m Horse Championship – 5th LT Holst Eloquent
- Team Victoria NZ National Young Rider (part of the FMG Young Rider Series) – 4th on Edison DN
“We love this show. It’s so nice for us to be able to go down and have all the family come watch,” says Sophie, whose grandparents were sideline to watch her ride. “It’s such a nice week down there for us.”
Sophie is certainly considering taking her star offshore but for now she’s focussed on the Takapoto Classic and the main classes at the Land Rover Horse of the Year Show.
“I am lucky to have such a great support team with my parents, partner Blake and trainer Jeff McVean.
The Jumping Team – 13 February 2023