Luke Dee & Gangster WW winning the FEI World Cup Qualifier at Taupo World Cup Classic – Photo by Libby Law Photography

 

Hawke’s Bay rider Luke Dee wound the clock back this afternoon, bagging just his second ever FEI World Cup Qualifier win, 11 years since his first.

Luke and the imported Gangster WW headed home a nine-strong field at the Taupo World Cup Classic, finishing the two indoor rounds of the Philippa Howells-designed course with four faults. They were the only combination to go clear in the class.

Six came back for the second round, with Luke, eventual runner-up Logan Massie (Dannevirke) on Bravado Ego Z and Makenzie Causer (Christchurch) aboard Dolce Del Colle all sitting on four faults.

Gangster WW, who was the fastest in the opening round, was fast and efficient round saw him cross the flags in 57.51 seconds. While it wasn’t the fastest of the round, it was – more importantly – clear.

“It was certainly big enough out there,” said Luke. “I knew it would be tough to go clear out there but also that if I could we would be high on the leaderboard. That rail in the first round was my rail, I cut the corner and let him shift left over the top. I should have been more disciplined.”

But he was over the moon with the win. “I am very happy and for (owner) Fiona (Hall) it is extra special. When we bought him just over two years ago we knew it would take a little while but we backed ourselves in the decision and took our time with him. We have been building up and this season was going to be a real step up for him. It was going to be a real test for him but he has stepped up and more.”

The horse was sometimes a tricky ride but Luke said the imported German warmblood more than made up for that with his talent and scope. “He is technically still only eight so has a lot of developing to do still. There is a lot more to come from him.”

The last time Luke won a World Cup was in 2013 at Tauranga aboard Ombudsman, who was very handy at top level for him for a number of seasons.

This afternoon, Logan and Bravado finished on eight faults for the two rounds for second, with Sophie Scott (Palmerston North) and Benrose Stellar and Julie Davey (Hastings) with LT Holst Freda both on 12 faults apiece, but a faster second round time giving third spot to Sophie and fourth to Julie.

The next round is at Dannevirke (January 11) with the final at Waitemata (January 19) to follow. The winner of the series has the opportunity to represent New Zealand at the Longines FEI World Cup Final in Basel, Switzerland in April 2025.

 

Results –

Taupo FEI World Cup (NZ Series) Qualifier (second): Luke Dee (Hawke’s Bay) Gangster WW 1, Logan Massie (Dannevirke) Bravado Ego Z 2, Sophie Scott (Palmerston North) Benrose Stellar 3, Julie Davey (Hastings) LT Holst Freda 4, Sophie Scott (Palmerston North) Waitangi Skynet 5, Vicki Wilson (Hawke’s Bay) Millionaire VWNZ 6, Makenzie Causer (Christchurch) Dolce Del Colle and Daniel Webb (Hunterville) WSJ Centaur =7.

 

WHAT: Taupo World Cup Classic – CSI1*-W (second qualifier)

WHERE: Fiber Fresh National Equestrian Centre, Taupo

WHEN: November 30, 2024

ENTRIES AND RESULTS: https://www.evoevents.co.nz/resultClass/2135886914/28/1

LIVESTREAM: ClipMyHorse

 

Diana Dobson – 3 November 2024