Aussie seniors win at Taupo and Rose takes CCI3* title

By Michelle Cook EA 

Shane Rose and CP Qualified have won the Taupo (NZL) CCI3* three day event and Australia has won the senior Oceania Eventing Challenge. 

Rose had a 2.8 penalty advantage (less than one show jumping rail) leading into Sunday’s show jumping decider, but when nearest rival Clarke Johnstone (riding Balmoral Sensation) jumped a clear round, Rose had to produce a faultless performance to secure victory.

Qualified has never had a clear round at this level but Rose didn’t doubt their ability and the pair rode a confident clear round to win the title with a final score of 36.6. 

The win marks a career best performance for Qualified and Rose is hoping it’s a sign of things to come.

“All weekend he has been awesome,” Rose said.

“He’s done a personal best this weekend in all three phases so hopefully it’s a continuing trend.  

“He’s become fitter, stronger and faster with every three day event he’s completed. As he gets fitter and stronger he gets better on the flat. This is improving his jumping and he's getting stronger off the ground.

“Hopefully we’ve got a great horse for Rio.”

Katja Weimann (BP Cosmopolitan) and Jessica Manson (Legal Star) both had good show jumping rounds, adding just four penalties to their score which saw them finish seventh and eighth respectively.

New Zealand was declared the winners in the Young Rider challenge after their team members dominated the top placings.

Of the Aussies, Western Australia’s Kenya Wilson finished her event off on a positive note jumping a clear round with her mare Winifred Fair. Shenae Lowings and Ventura Sky High had four penalties while Isabelle Bowditch-McIntrye and Grandios added 8 penalties to their score.  

Full results at http://www.equestrianentries.co.nz