Mainland Coachwork Junior Rider
Penny Borthwick has had a dream start to the Trust House Glistening Waters ESNZ Series Final Show, with a win aboard Double J Breeze On in the Mainland Coachwork Junior Rider Series.
The 16-year-old from Masterton was philosophical coming into the grand final saying “what will be will be”, and while an “unlucky” rail in the jump-off saw her finish fifth, her consistency through the season was enough to take the series.
It’s her first season on hacks and her plan was just to learn the ropes aboard the experienced 12-year-old mare she is leasing from Double J Stud. “I have always loved the mare,” she said. “Just everything about her . . . she is a wicked horse and it has been an absolute privilege to ride her. She has been awesome and done everything I have asked of her.”
While she wasn’t a straight forward ride, Penny says she isn’t difficult. “She has quite a bit of attitude and sass but has taught me so much.”
The combination had four wins through the season and were consistently in the money.
“This is a pretty good way to start series finals,” she said. “It is always anyone’s game on the day and anything can happen. It really depends on how the horse and rider are feeling. She was pretty feisty and ready to go this morning. She was just awesome. She put everything out for me. I am stoked.”
The Donella Still-designed course had been “good”. “It was quite slippery and muddy out there, especially by the time I came in but Breeze On just ploughs through the mud.”
Penny extended a huge thanks to the Jacobs family for trusting her with the ride this season.
Eighteen started the grand final, with six coming back to the jump-off where just Sophia Blackbourn (Tamahere) and LT Zalato Blue managed to finish with a clean slate to take the win. Tara Gower (Ohura) on Double J Image, Annie Moffett (Napier) with Samantha the Dachshund, Matisse Masterson (Ardmore) on Jay-Z GNZ, and Penny with Double J Breeze On all finished on four faults a piece with their times deciding their placings for second, third, fourth and fifth respectively.
Results –
Mainland Coachwork Junior Rider Series: Penny Borthwick (Masterton) 154 points 1, Molly Moffatt (Christchurch) 135 2, Tara Gower (Ohura) 114 3, Sophia Blackbourn (Tamahere) 112 4, Matisse Masterson (Ardmore) 110 5, Annie Moffett (Napier) 95 6.
Mainland Coachwork Junior Rider Grand Final: Sophia Blackbourn (Tamahere) LT Holst Zalato Blue 1, Tara Gower (Ohura) Double J Image 2, Annie Moffett (Napier) Samantha the Dachshund 3, Matisse Masterson (Ardmore) Jay-Z GNZ 4, Penny Borthwick (Masterton) Double J Breeze On 5, Eva Wylaars (Christchurch) Blossom NZPH 6.
For full results, head to www.evoevents.co.nz
Diana Dobson – 14 April 2023