Clarke Johnstone is heading back to the UK in style thanks to his lovely owners! Clarke with Veterinary Associates Sponsor, Neil Houston and owners Heather and Alan Cato
A wonderful riding demonstration from Clarke Johnstone on Vincent saw the handsome combination take out the CCI* this afternoon at Puhinui.
“I am very happy with the horse, he went really well on all three phases and I’m thrilled.”
Clarke has ridden the horse for the past four weeks since returning to New Zealand. He also rode him at last year’s event at Puhinui and also at Taupo.
Vincent’s owners, Alan and Heather Cato were obviously very delighted with their horse’s performance. In front of many wellwishers, Heather had to confess to her husband that she had promised Clarke if he won Puhinui she would pay for an upgrade when he flies back to England on the 3rd of January.
It isn’t just Clarke who will be England bound, as Alan confirmed “It looks like another horse might be going to England. We have a wonderful relationship with Clarke, and we are keen to continue supporting him.”
Vincent is a lovely looking 9 year old horse. “He’s now getting a well deserved rest. Vincent upgraded to 2* at Taupo, so he has had a big season” says Clarke.
Second placed was Tokoroa’s Sarah Young who put in one of the few clear rounds in the CCI*show jumping on High N Dry, finishing on her dressage score. Also putting in double clear jumping rounds over the weekend were 3rd and 4th placegetters, Jessica Woods on Defies Logic and Samantha Felton on Henton After Dark. Chloe Kennedy, on the cute Mustang Molly, lost her second place spot when she dropped two rails but finished 5th. Francesca Silver also produced two clear jumping efforts in the competition to be in 6th place.
Final results of CCI*
1. Clarke Johnstone, Vincent 50.9
2. Sarah Young, High N Dry, 51.5
3. Jessica Woods, Defies Logic, 54
4. Samantha Felton, Henton After Dark, 55.2
5. Chloe Kennedy, Mustang Molly, 56.1
6. Francesca Silver, Case in Point, 56.7
