It’s a quality but compact field that heads to Dannevirke this week for the penultimate round of the ClipMyHorse FEI World Cup (NZ League) qualifier.
It’s a tussle at the top of the leaderboard – after three qualifiers – with Julie Davey (Hastings) leading the pack on 55 points, Sophie Scott (Palmerston North) on 50 and Makenzie Causer (Christchurch) on 47. All three are entered for Saturday’s qualifier.
Julie Davey and LT Holst Freda are currently sitting at the top of the ClipMyHorse.tv FEI World Cup leaderboard. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
Julie and LT Holst Freda, who won the 2024-2025 series on countback, have picked up a first, second and third for their three efforts this season but have picked up top points in two qualifiers due to Sophie nominating the wrong horse in the opening round at Takapoto.
Freda had her first World Cup start in 2022, but it wasn’t until August 2024 they had their first win – and that was in Tamworth, Australia, with their debut victory on New Zealand soil coming at Taupo last month.
Benrose Stellar has picked up many wins and placings in the ClipMyHorse.tv FEI World Cup Series for Sophie Scott. Copyright Photo: KAMPIC / Jaimee Whittaker
Sophie has both Equine America Benrose Stellar and Normandy GHP entered at Dannevirke. Her horses have been incredibly consistent for her, with Stellar having done 12 World Cup starts since January 2024 for three wins, two seconds and three thirds. Normandy has had just five starts for two wins, three thirds and a fifth.
Normandy GHP has been very consistent for Sophie Scott in the ClipMyHorse.tv FEI World Cup Series. Copyright Photo: KAMPIC / Kerry Marshall
Makenzie and Dolce Del Colle have stepped up in their second season at World Cup level with a second and two fourths from their three starts.
Makenzie Causer and Dolce Del Colle have performed very well in the ClipMyHorse.tv FEI World Cup Series. Copyright Photo: KAMPIC / Kerry Marshall
Kimberley Carrington and Double J Typhoon are in their first season at this level but have shown they are a combo to watch with a fourth, fifth and seventh to date.
Kimberly Carrington and Double J Typhoon have stepped up incredibly well in their first season competing in the ClipMyHorse.tv FEI World Cup Series. Copyright Photo: KAMPIC / Kerry Marshall
Francesca Corich (Auckland) and Bannockburn ECPH did their first World Cup start at the 2024-2025 final for fifth and picked up the same in their sole start this season.
Francesca Corich van der Bas and Bannockburn ECPH have performed well in their two starts in the ClipMyHorse.tv FEI World Cup Series. Photo Credit to Cornege Media.
World Cup debutants Tara Gower (Cambridge) and her homebred Riverhills Legend round out the field.
Tara Gower & Riverhills Legend will make their ClipMyHorse.tv FEI World Cup Series debut this weekend. Photo Credit to Cornege Media.
Heather McDonald is designing the qualifier which is set to go at 1pm on Saturday.
The New Zealand League final was to be hosted by Waitemata but was picked up by Takapoto Estate and will run on Saturday, January 17 with Canadian Peter Holmes designing the course. Just four of the five rounds will count towards the series results, but with points-and-a-half on offer at the final, there’s plenty to play for.
The winner of the New Zealand series has the opportunity to travel to the world final in Fort Worth, Texas in April. Luke Dee and Gangster WW represented New Zealand at the world final this year in Switzerland, finishing 31st.
Leaderboard (after three qualifiers)
Julie Davey (Hastings) 55 points, Sophie Scott (Palmerston North) 50, Makenzie Causer (Christchurch) 47, Tristan Thomas (Rotorua) 38, Kimberly Carrington (Takapau) 37, Emma Gillies (Oamaru) 23, Francesca Corich van der Bas (Auckland) and Oliver Croucher (Cambridge) 12.
WHAT: ClipMyHorse FEI World Cup (NZ League) qualifier
WHERE: Alabaster Contracting Central and Southern Hawke’s Bay Jumping Show at Dannevirke
WHEN: Saturday, January 10 @ 1pm
START LISTS AND RESULTS: www.main-events.com
LIVESTREAM: www.clipmyhorse.tv
8 January 2026
Diana Dobson