Sophie Scott on Waitangi Skynet taking out the first round of the FEI World Cup series at Hastings.
Photo by KAMPIC | Kerry Marshall
Sophie Scott heads to Show Jumping Waikato this week, chasing back-to-back FEI World Cup (NZ League) wins.
The 21-year-old from Palmerston North and Waitangi Skynet headed home the field at the series opener in Hawke’s Bay last month and if form is anything to go on, they’ll be the ones to watch once again, this time at Show Jumping Waikato Colliers Classic.
However, it is a strong field lining up in the Colliers Rural and Agribusiness sponsored class where they will be challenged by Heather McDonald on the fibre surface at Takapoto. The class is set to start at 5pm.
Brooke Edgecombe (Waipukurau) and LT Holst Andrea will be looking to go one better than their runner-up slot at Hawke’s Bay. The mare had a dabble in Australia over the winter and Brooke is confident it has given her a little edge coming into the New Zealand season.
Vicki Wilson (Hawke’s Bay) and Millionaire VWNZ placed third in their World Cup debut at Hastings so will be keen to improve on that.
Julie Davey (Hastings) has both of her imported mares on the card again. She was fourth with LT Holst Freda at Hawke’s Bay, and also has Just D entered. Both are green at World Cup level but have shown plenty of scope in their limited outings.
Logan Massie (Dannevirke) is expecting much from his stallion Bravado Ego Z and will be keen to edge up the placings from their fifth spot.
A sixth place finish in Hawke’s Bay will have given Nakeysha Dickey (Waikato) all sorts of confidence in Balboa NZPH.
Three time series winner Tegan Fitzsimon (West Melton) aboard Windermere Cappuccino and Maurice Beatson (Dannevirke) on Central Park will both be chasing redemption after a less-than-ideal start at Hawke’s Bay.
Emelia Forsyth (Clevedon) was a bit unlucky aboard Henton Faberge in the opening qualifier and will be keen on bettering their seventh placing. Vicki Prendergast (Matamata) aboard her homebred mare Selena C is also on the card as is Kathryn Loiselle (Hawke’s Bay) on Haupouri Drama NZPH for what will be their third-ever start at this top level.
On debut in the World Cup series is Tyla Hackett (Cambridge) aboard Global PH Cocofino while it will just be a second start for Rylee Sheehan (Te Aroha) and Bandito NZPH. Samantha van Lierde (Cambridge) and Cadillac NZPH will be hoping their recent Australian campaign will have stood them in good stead for the New Zealand season.
The series runs over four qualifiers and the final, with just the best four results from each rider to count to their final series tally. The winner of the series has the opportunity to represent New Zealand at the world final in Riyadh in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in late April.
The next qualifier is at the Christmas Classic in Taupo on December 16, followed by Dannevirke on January 6, and the Waitemata Showjumping hosted final at Woodhill Sands on January 14.
Current Standings
Sophie Scott 20 Points
Brooke Edgecombe 17 Points
Vicki Wilson 15 Points
Julie Davey 13 Points
Logan Massie 12 Points
Nakeysha Dickey 11 Points
Emelia Forsyth 10 Points
Vicki Prendergast 9 Points
Kathryn Loiselle 8 Points
Diana Dobson
30 October 2023