Amanda Pottinger with the Wills Trophy
Amanda Pottinger has won the NRM CCI3* at the NRM National Three Day Event at Taupo, on Just Kidding in the combination’s first event at this level. She went into the showjumping phase in second place and jumped a lovely clear round. Sarah Dalziel on Benrose Super Star felt that pressure and unfortunately had a rail, giving the title to Amanda.
Amanda, 24, known as Muzi, is keen to beat her mother’s record at this event and is on track, having won two already and adding the big one today. Tinks Pottinger’s name is in the record books with six titles to her name. Amanda’s grandmother, Tiny White, another a legend in the horse world, was on hand to see the win. “I am tickled pink” she declared, watching her granddaughter collect the coveted trophy.
Amanda was actually pink with delight. “That’s my first clear show jumping round at three-star level. What a time to have it. I came into this event just hoping to get a qualifying score, never in my wildest dreams did I expect to win.”
Amanda Pottinger on Just Kidding
Sarah Dalziell-Clout was extremely disappointed to have so nearly won but dropping one rail left her in second place. “If I was going to be beaten, Im glad it was Muzi who won.” Her focus will now be on her job as ESNZ High Performance Director as the HP team build up to the Olympics.
Christchurch school teacher Kirsty Sharapoff pulled off the win of her equestrian hobby so far taking out the Bates CCI2*. She had a narrow lead from fellow South Islander Brent Jury going into the show jumping and had to jump a clear round. She was under pressure when Brent and SE Hedging were impeccable in their show jumping round.
“It hasn’t sunk in yet. He’s been super all weekend,” said Kirsty. "I have had a great weekend.”
Kirsty Sharapoff, Brent Jury and Virginia Thompson
In the Fiber Fresh CCI1* Championship, Lauren Alexander from Riverhead, Auckland took out the win on Classic Indigo who also won the Charlton Stud Prize for the best performed mare. “I’ve had her for two years, she’s super bold, and jumps everything in front of her. Next year we will look at stepping up to two-star but dressage is our challenge.”
This is the last competition in the eventing calendar and the new season commences in the spring. All attention will now be on the Olympic preparation for the eventers based in the UK.
Final Results:
NRM CCI3* Open National Championship: Amanda Pottinger, Just Kidding, 62.6, 1; Sarah Dalziell-Clout, Benrose Super Star, 63.3, 2; Katharine Van Tuyl, Double J Sunshine, 65.8, 3; Samantha Felton, Ricker Ridge Pico Boo, 78.7, 4.
Bates CCI2* Championship: Kirsty Sharapoff, Shoot the Breeze, 51.9, 1; Brent Jury, SE Hedging, 52.1, 2; Virginia Thompson, Man of Honour, 54.6, 3; Abigail Long, Enzo, 55.8, 4; Juliet Wood, Waitangi Pinterest, 57.2, 5; Abby Lawrence, Charlton Yamani, 65.4, 6.
Fiber Fresh CCI1* Championship: Lauren Alexander, Classic Indigo, 48.3, 1; Dannie Lodder, Eon, 49.7, 2; Holly Morrell, Pampero, 53.5, 3; Judy Hatfull, Timely, 55, 4; Karla Wilson, Stoney Mara, 57.3, 5; Angela Lloyd, Lyrical, 57.5, 6.
Wairakei CCN105 Championship: Kelsey Leahy, Show Cause, 30.4, 1; Kylee McCambridge, Chicago, 32.2, 2; Chanel Hargrave, Moving On, 33.6, 3; Donna Edwards-Smith, Sunset Pass, 33.8, 4; Gracie O’Leary, Willesden Green, 37.7, 5; Sally Gunny, Kiwi Highlight, 40.1, 6.
AMS Saddlery CC1* Championship: Gemma Hampson, Just Imagine That, 57.4, 1; Georgia Bennett, Johnny Castle, 59.4, 2; Lauren Alexander, BMW Ripley, 64, 3; Frank Phillips, I Told You So, 68.8, 4.
Wade CCN105 Open: Helen Withers, Woodbine Just in Case, 29, 1; Cherie Jacques, Black Gem, 29.9, 2; Shannon Galloway, Day Walker, 32.9, 3; Susan Le Mesurier, Lightman, 35, 4.
Silver Spurs (Inter-Island teams) trophy: North Island (Juliet Wood/Waitangi Pinterest, Dannie Lodder/Eon, Jackson Bovill/Visionnaire, Katharine Van Tuyl/Double J Sunshine), 118.1, 1; South Island (Brodie Roberts/SR Livingstone, Lucy Turner/Carbon, Kirsty Sharapoff/Shoot the Breeze, Emily Cammock/Shaw Lee), 148.5, 2.
Charlton Stud prize for best performed mare: Lauren Alexander, Classic Indigo
Casey Trophy for best presented horse and rider: Sarah Young, The Little Prince
NZPCA Award for best placed Pony Club Rider: Renee Faulkner, Hunua PC, Rubinstar HH.
