Eventers were treated to their second opportunity to compete at the newest event to hit the Eventing circuit at Racecourse Park, Otakiri. The Event has a wonderful laid back, stress free feeling with easy access to all phases of the Event, facilities and office. The venue which is often used as a wedding location, is situated approximately 30 minutes from Whakatane, amongst picturesque trees with Mount Edgecumbe towering in the background. Speaking from experience, the drive coming from North is incredibly easy and scenic. With mostly highway driving across smooth roads, it made for a quick just over 3 hour trip in a horse truck, arriving feeling fresh and ready to hit the ground running.
Mount Edgecumbe
The grounds were previously used for racing therefore the going is perfect for Cross Country riding and with a sandy base, it rivals Taupo NEC for it’s ability to drain water away! The Organising Committee (OC) attribute the turn out of the venue to Graham McRobbie who prepares the grounds to immaculate conditions prior to the Event. Campbell Draper, Jude Clifton & Rowan Amer were once again contracted to complete the Course Design for the 80cm – 3* classes and provided wonderful tracks for the combinations. The OC have big plans for the development of the venue with the site of a second water complex already planned where the “Portage Cars Wishing Well” combination is currently situated.
“McRobbie splash” – the water complex currently in situ with a second complex to come!
Stephanie-Kate Vervoort returned with her Zachariah O’Herr to place second in the Portage Cars CCN3* class and had the following to say:
“BOP horse trial is an exceptionally exciting new venue. Its brand new xc courses are beautiful at all levels offering fair challenges and a range of fences across the levels. The exceptional ground offered fantastic going during this hard time of year for all three phases. But grounds and courses aside, the incredibly hard working committee are friendly, approachable and eager to develop a world class facility and horse trial for our calendar.
This is definitely going to be a regular for my season and thank you to all the amazing sponsors, old and new, who made this horse trial a great success and one everyone is excited to return to each season!”
Brittany Fowler was busy with five horses entered across various classes and had a successful weekend. The experienced “Game Keeper” took out the Portage Cars CCN3*-S class. NRS Luna Corona won on their dressage score in the Fibre Fresh CCN105
Suzanne Black made the trip up from Gore with three horses – Colton AF took out the Portage cars CCN2*-S class.
Jessica Sutherland and Secret Runner were winners of the Harrison Flooring CCN105-S U21 class.
Christen Lane & on the stunning chest mare, Larose won the Whakatane Vet Centre CCN95.
Pictured below, the convincing winners of the Horse Help CCN95 U18 was Amber Auret & Divani REQ.
Ashleigh McKinstry had a great return to competition following the birth of their gorgeous boy, finishing first and second in the Oakridge Equestrian CCN80cm on Impulse and NZ3DE Young Event Horse winner Benny MSNZ respectively.
Rosie Morgan & Oscer Wild just pipped Kyra Purcell & Mikado Johnny Angel to the post to win the Spot On Photo CCN80cm U17yo class.
For full results, head to Evo Events here.
