Matthew Grayling and NRM Lowenburg Photo courtesy Barbara Thomson
The revamped cross-country course took a toll at the Arran Station Horse Trials over the weekend, experience proving essential, with veteran Matthew Grayling winning the Red Snap’r CNC3* class on NRM Lowenburg, making his mark on the Eventing Super League in the process.
Grayling led after the dressage phase on Saturday, scoring 33.4 penalties, and despite having two showjumping rails down plus two time penalties, went into Sunday’s cross-country lying second on 43.4 penalties.
He was one of only four to jump clear across country, and posted the fastest time, with 14.8 time penalties for a final score of 58.2. Six of the twelve starters completed the cross-country, Hamish Cameron’s course showing the need for obedience and control as well as boldness and trust.
Abby Lawrence took second place on Pseudonym, moving up from seventh after the dressage with one showjumping rail down and a clear cross-country with 22.4 time penalties to finish with 67.2 penalties overall.
Young rider Jessica Woods was third on Defies Logic, having been sixth after the dressage, lowering one showjumping rail, and incurring 27.2 cross-country time penalties for an overall total of 71.2 penalties.
Sarah Dalziell and Benrose Super Star led after showjumping phase, producing one of only two clear rounds inside the time, but a stop at the testing rail on top of the knob on the cross-country relegated this promising combination to fourth place with 84 penalties.
Results:
Red Snap’r CNC3*:
Matthew Grayling, New Plymouth, NRM Lowenburg, 58.2, 1; Abby Lawrence, Te Puke, Pseudonym, 67.2, 2; Jessica Woods, Hamilton, Defies Logic, 71.2, 3: Sarah Dalziell, Masterton, Benrose Super Star, 84, 4.
ESNZ Eventing Super League
Standings after three events:
Bryce Newman, Bulls, Bates Trademark, 69 pts; Dannie Lodder, Auckland, Moochi, 61 pts; Matthew Grayling, New Plymouth, NRM Lowenburg, 46 pts; Sam Taylor, Swannanoa, Leo Degas, 46 pts; Abby Lawrence, Te Puke, Pseudonym, 41 pts; Jessica Woods, Hamilton, Defies Logic, 36 pts
Article by Virginia Caro
