Dannie Lodder and Tomahawk II
“We’re better than that” said Dannie Lodder of her test today on Tomahawk II “I’ve been working towards a better mark and I just didn’t have a lot of petrol in there today which surprised me”
Dannie and Tomahawk II, a 10 year old new Zealand thoroughbred cross (“He’s got quite a bit of Irish in him”) owned by the Black Hawk Syndicate, finished fifth in the CCI1* here last year. For Dannie, who is used more feisty horses, it’s quite an unusual experience to have something that doesn’t get excited by the crowds, especially when the dressage arenas at Puhinui, close to the water jump and in a natural amphitheatre, can create a bit of atmosphere for the horses
Despite her disappointment with their score of 56.8, it was good enough to put Dannie and Tomahawk II into the lead ahead of Samantha Felton riding Ricker Ridge Escada (59.6) and Virginia Thompson riding Star Nouveau in third place (60.5) but Dannie says that she will have to try overcome her natural tendency nowadays to go a bit more slowly around Tich Massey’s course that ‘needs to be attacked’
Dannie Lodder
Sam Felton was happier with her horse Ricker Ridge Escada, a 10 year old bay gelding that Sam hopes will be competing at an even higher level next year
“ Our aim this weekend is to come home safe and sound” says Sam “Both Virginia and I are hoping to move up to 4* level on these horses so this event is a stepping stone in that process”
An all girl line-up: L-R Sam Felton, Dannie Lodder and Virginia Thompson
In fourth place Katharine Van Tuyl and Double J Sunshine are also not far off the pace on a score of 60.7. This pair has been on a roll this year with two seconds and a first at CIC3* level but this is their first CCI3* and ‘Sunny’, who can get a bit tubby, has been on a strict regimen in the lead up to tackling the long format course
“He’s looking really great at the moment after being on a mega-diet” says Katherine “He loves eating, and as a warmblood can get quite fat. We’ve also had him out training on the beach with Laura Knight’s team of racehorses, and that has helped him learn how to gallop faster”
Last year this combination won the CCI2* here, adding only 0.4 time penalties on cross country to their dressage score so Double J Sunshine’s galloping on the beach may give him that little edge tomorrow
One horse that did seem to feel the atmosphere today was Andy Daines’ Spring Panorama, a 12 year old Irish Sport Horse with real presence. Unfortunately he had a few ‘moments’ which spoiled the test to finish in sixth place (63.2) behind Shelley Ross’ Coleraine Coaltown (60) but Spring Panorama also showed some promise. Shelley had to have some assistance just before entering the arena when Coleraine Coaltown got his tongue over the bit but towards the end of the test it happened again, putting a little dampener on the finish
However the drama of the day came with the penultimate combination, Emily Cammock and Lewis who recently finished third in the CIC3* at Christchurch. After the first few movements they were belled by the President of the Ground Jury, Margs Carline (NZ) and, after a brief conversation, Emily and Lewis left the arena. Emily was visibly disappointed by her elimination due to her horse showing signs of lameness but the Ground Jury was also adamant that Lewis was not fit to compete
Emily Cammock and Ngahiwi Frostie
It wasn’t all bad news for Emily today, although this probably spoiled her celebrations for her achievements in the Veterinary Associates CCI1*, where she is in the lead riding Donellan, a 10 year old thoroughbred gelding, on a score of 40.1. She is also in second place riding Cavorts on a score of 41.9 and, although Nick Brooks riding Lexington in third place spoiled her run, she is also in fourth place riding Ngahiwi Frostie.
Very happy! Donna Smith and Quantico
The iSpy Horses CCI2* is also dominated by one rider, Donna Smith. In the lead on Quantico (51.1), equal second on the crowd favourite Mr Hokey Pokey (52.1) and equal fourth on Cluny (52.6), Donna had a very good day in the dressage arenas. Campbell Draper is sharing second place with Donna thanks to a lovely test on riding Mr Mancini and Kate Wood riding Wolf Whistle II is tied in fourth place but it was certainly Donna’s day
The test of the day in our eyes went to Jackson Bovill, who is currently leading the Honda NZ CCI** Young Rider class on Visionaire. Watching this just turned 19 year old ride, it came as no surprise to learn that Jackson has been a working pupil with Clarke Johnstone for the past nine months. This is a rider to watch for the future who, like Clarke, presents a wonderful picture on a horse, especially a nice horse like this nine year old bay mare by Voltaire II
Jackson Bovill and Visionaire
Last year’s CCI3* winner, Clarke is not competing this year as he is at Chris Burton’s wedding in Sydney, but it sounds as if he is keeping a close eye on proceedings and will no doubt be cheering his protégé on tomorrow (you too can follow the live streaming of the cross country on Equestrian Live TV here)
Sarah Young is in second place riding Leo Degas with Tayla Mason in third on her horse Sonidor in this class
Greer Caddigan on Gymnastik Showdown (above) leads the Devi Heating CCI1* from Lucy Turner on Carbon and Sophie Alexander is third on Saltador. Cherie Jacques has a narrow lead in the NZ Horse & Pony CCN105 class on her consistent Black Gem with Zoe Gray on FIS Florentino just 0.2 penalties behind her with Sarah Young and The Little Prince in third.
