Corey Wood & Pick Up Line, CNC3* winners @ McLeans Island 18 March 2018 – credit Sophie Simson Photography

Wood Picks Up Win in Canterbury

It was an action packed day for Eventing Canterbury’s March 18 horse trial, held at Mcleans Island NEC.

Entry numbers for the event peaked this year at 160, about 60 riders more than is usual at the March event (Canterbury is the only area where starter numbers are up), and the thrills and spills were outpouring.

Three combinations started the Ultimate Design and Renovation CNC3*, two completed, and the honours went to Corey Wood who was stoked to have ‘Sarge’ (Pick Up Line) feeling more himself after pulling him from the previous event.

There was plenty to follow in the Ultimate Design and Renovation CNC2*. Giles Gormack and Lucero headed out the field of eight, moving up from fifth after dressage to take the lead following an impressive clear run with just four time faults cross-country, and finishing eight points ahead of second-place getters Courtney Davis and By Hoki, who took an unintended detour on cross-country.

Event secretary Claudia Faulkner (nee Wilson) rode to the win in the Weatherbeeta CNC1* on Citadelle, who was clearly very happy to be back out competing after some time off! Claudia also placed fourth on Shapeshifter II in the Saddlery Barn CNC105.

That class [Saddlery Barn CNC105] was won by Amanda Shallard riding Earnest, whose commendable double-clear performance saw them finish on their dressage score of 30.5, edging out Lucy Cochrane and Inspector gadget by the slim margin of 0.3.

Emily Cammock claimed the quinella in the Equissage CNC95, on board Aria (1st) and Charlie (2nd), and was also fourth on Des, putting in double clear performances on all. The U21 class was won by Abby Baker and Good Luck Charlie, who too put in a double clear performance.

It’s been 2/2 this year for Larissa Srhoy and Heads Will Roll, leading from start to finish in the Melwood Equestrian CNC80 and finishing on their very respectable dressage score of 25.3.

Lily Taylor and My Holly were victorious in the Farmlands Feedbarn CNC80 U21, finishing on their dressage score of 30.3.

While Luca Swale and Everton Hara Z led from start to finish in the CNC65, also finishing on their dressage score (27.1).

The next event in the region is the highly anticipated, hotly contested South Island One Day Event Championships, which includes the South Island Young Event Horse Championship, held at Mcleans Island NEC from 20-22 April.

Full results from the March 18 event can be viewed at www.equestrianentries.co.nz.

By Lydia Truesdale