Christmas Classic World Cup Preview (NZ)

By: Diana Dobson/ESNZ

Maurice Beatson will be on a mission to put a halt to the female domination of the Ultra.Mox FEI World Cup series at the Fiber Fresh Taupo Christmas Classic this weekend. 

Beatson, a Dannevirke farmer who represented New Zealand at a World Cup final, has two entered into theSaturday afternoon class that has attracted 14 entries – his home-bred grey gelding Schimmel Warrior, who has a couple of World Cup seasons to his credit, and relative newbie Conyers, who just started this season.

Katie Laurie (Mystery Creek) and Helen McNaught-McFarlane (Taupo) are the ones to watch.

Laurie has won the last two rounds and has Dunstan Kiwi Iron Mark (owned by June Berrington) and Dunstan Breeze both entered.

McNaught-McFarlane has consistently been in the top three in her three rounds but is the first to say her horse Carnutelabryere – Brian for short – is a green horn when it comes to this level, so she’s not pushing him too hard.

Also on the card is Bridget Hansen (Ocean Beach) who won the opening round in Hawke’s Bay and has two entered for the Saturday afternoon class.

With just the best three rounds to count, competitors are now heading into drop off scores, with the final in early January, just one more round away.

Former series winner Sally Steiner (Tauranga) has On the Point Slic Chic entered, with Vicki Wilson (Hikurangi) on both Ngahiwi Showtym Premier and Showtym Cadet MVNZ. Erin Clark (Opotiki) is in aboard Reflector, while Bernard Denton (Feilding) has his campaigner Horsesports Suzuki entered, while Jesse Linton (Hastings) has Strathcarron Zaurak.

A new initiative at the show is to have all World Cup riders enter the ring to music of their choice . . . otherwise organisers will choose one they feel is appropriate.

The Christmas Classic runs from Thursday through to Saturday, followed by National Derby Day on Sunday. Just under 800 horses have been entered.

The grounds at the Fiber Fresh National Equestrian Centre are looking magnificent, with a new irrigation system in, new sand in the pony ring and more to ensure the best footing underneath for all.

Ultra.Mox FEI World Cup New Zealand Series (after three rounds): Katie Laurie (Mystery Creek) 57 points, Helen McNaught-McFarlane (Taupo) 47, Maurice Beatson (Dannevirke) 42, Bridget Hansen (Ocean Beach) 32, Bernard Denton (Feilding) and Sally Steiner (Tauranga) 20, Amanda Wilson (Hikurangi) 17, Lydia Quay (Taranaki) 15, Vicki Wilson (Hikurangi) and Lucy Akers (Opiki) 13, Jesse Linton (Hastings) 12.