Oakley Leads at Kihikihi International Horse Trial

Central Hawke's Bay wool-classer Monica Oakley and her 11-year-old thoroughbred Fontain (above) are leading the field after the opening day dressage at the Kihikihi International Horse Trial.

The 25-year-old rode a lovely test to score 66.15% from the trio of international judges, giving her a slender three penalty point lead over nearest rival Donna Smith (below) and Balmoral Tangolooma (owned by Sim Kann, Gaye McClunie and Graham Smith).

       Photo: Libby Law

Both women are chasing spots in the New Zealand team for the Trans Tasman clash in Sydney later this month, and keen to improve on their recent Horse of the Year outings.

Oakley's Fontain was completely overwhelmed in the big atmosphere of Hastings at HOY last month, but showed no signs of that today.

She's just happy to have him out competing again – Oakley nearly lost her top horse just over a year ago when he jumped out of his paddock and de-gloved his entire back leg.

Oakley is also sitting in fourth position in the CIC* aboard Saltador.

It's almost a blanket cover over the 11-strong three star field, with the top seven all under 60 penalty points as they head into the John Nicholson-designed cross country course tomorrow (Saturday) when a single stop in the cross country will add 20 penalty points to scores.

It was a near perfect start to three big days of competition at the Kihikihi Domain, with more than 300 combinations from all over the country keen to take the honours at one of the nation's favourite events.

Most of the adulation is thanks to the innovative and challenging cross country course, by the internally-recognised Nicholson – brother of the world number one ranked eventer, Olympian Andrew Nicholson. To view our photo gallery of the complete cross country course at Kihikihi CLICK HERE

Thousands will head to the domain tomorrow to enjoy the excitement, with the showjumping for the top divisions all on Sunday.

The New Zealand team for the Trans Tasman to be held at Sydney International Horse Trials later this month is expected to be announced after the event.

      Georgia Tufty and Charlton Tabloid lead the CIC 2*                       Photo: Libby Law

CLICK HERE for photo gallery from dressage day at Kihikihi Horse Trials

Interim results after dressage

CIC***  

1^st: Monica Oakley and Fontain 66.15%, 50.8 penalty points

2^nd Donna Smith and Balmoral Tangolooma (owned by Sim Kann, Gaye McClunie and Graham Smith) 64.1%, 53.8

3^rd Campbell Draper and Kahurangi Manu 63.85% 54.2

4^th Dannie Lodder and Moochi 63.46%, 54.8

5^th Donna Smith and Britannica MVNZ (owned by Caroline Jolley and Wendy Keddell) 61.41%, 57.9

6^th Simon Gordon and Fletch.com 60.64%, 59

7^th Ashleigh McKinstry and Pioneer Makokomiko 60.51%, 59.2

=8^th Sarah Broughton and Rockhill Rocket and Christen Hayde and Tandarra Sweet As 58.85%, 61.7

 

CIC**

1^st Georgia Dufty and Charlton Tabloid 67.59%, 48.6

2^nd Angela Lloyd and Song 66.38%, 50.4

3^rd Bundy Philpott and Romeo NZPH 65.86% 51.2

4^th Charlotte Grayling and NRM Ru Star 64.83%, 52.8

 

CIC* A

1^st Cherie Jacques and Tobinator 68.26%, 47.6

2^nd Jessica Woods and LV Award 66.74%, 49.9

3^rd Megan Finlayson and Greensleeves 66.09%, 50.9

4^th Monica Oakely and Saltador 65.65%, 51.5

 

CIC* B

 1^st Helen Bruce and Toblerone NZPH 69.13%, 46.3

2^nd Kate Wood and Tobruk 68.04%, 47.9

3^rd Amanda Pottinger and Just Kidding 66.74%, 49.9

4^th Andy Daines Henton and Executive 65%, 52.5

 

Article by Diana Dobson