As usual the weather was the topic of conversation at the “Lynton” NSW Championships. No snow in sight but chilly winds were a plenty, keeping everyone rugged up.
The CIC 2 star had thirty five starters, including five interstate riders, Amanda Ross, Asha Warnock and Florence (great name, according to Hasibar) Goodwin from Victoria and Matt Gaske and Natalie Siiankoski from sunny Queensland. A stella dressage, followed up by adding one time fault during the show jumping Saturday afternoon, saw Grace Kay riding Celerity Park Faberge taking a handy 4.5 penalty lead after day one.
The CIC 3 star had sixteen starters including five interstate riders. Maddi Wilson, Andrew Cooper, Callum Buczak, Usman Khan and Penny Johnson all making the trek north from Victoria. This class show jumped on Sunday morning. As usual the leader board had a shake-up. The lovely mare CP Issy Miyake ridden by Emma Bishop wasn’t toppled of the top spot though, clear jumping gave Emma a 6.2 penalty lead going into cross country.
Sunday cross country started out a little gloomy weather wise. The Ev 105cm class were the first out on course. A couple of the early riders had unplanned dismounts, not ideal but we were underway. The clouds closed in, the wind picked up and the coffee wagon did a roaring trade but it was bloody miles from the cross country course! Sadly!!
Next out was CIC 1 star, a field of forty five. Notably, Amanda Ross had two entries in this class as well as the two in the CIC 2 star, made the decision early not to run any of her steeds cross country. This gave Andrew Barnett a clear shot at the top placings with two of his three rides. The quinella for Andy, Perfect Partner aptly named, taking home the rug and Bradgate Park Galileo runner up. Another interesting fact is that in the top six placings in CIC 1 star were three mares!
CIC 2 star cross country got down to business as did the wind chill factor. In saying that though it was great riding cross country weather! Just not easy with electrical gear, a gazebo and course maps on a windy hill! The road crossing fence which causes most of the issues for the star classes was riding well. With some new fences in different places, the course did seem friendlier. Shane Rose, with the lovely mare Easy Turn, had a cracking round finishing on their dressage score, 32.6 giving him second placing. Unfortunately, Shane took a tumble out on course from the young Finch Farm Spruce which was the end of the day for Shane and his other rides. Here’s hoping Ringer is back on board by Adelaide International in mid-November. Grace and Faberge clear winners, well done fancy pants! (Grace wears gold lame’ pants cross country).
Rounding out the day was fourteen horses taking on the CIC 3 star cross country. Nine of these were clear of jumping penalties. It wasn’t till the final rider of the day, Katie Taliana on Trevalgar 11, that we saw a double clear. Big Marco fairly zoomed around! However, Emma Bishop riding Issy Miyake prevailed in the end taking home the blue ribbon and the title of NSW State Champion. Hot on her heels Katie Taliana with her two horses Friday Street second and third to rocket man Trevalgar 11.
Special mention for Kate “don’t ask me to call the bingo” Mackenzie! Her golden vocal cords being cross country marshal both days, good on ya Kate!
Well the Adelaide International CCI 2 star, CIC 3 star and the main event CCI 4 star isn’t far off in the horizon. November 14th till 18th. If you follow us on Facebook you will see the Entries List posted, or click here for the link. Here’s a tip, study the list we are having a tipping competition!!
