Team Massey rider wins national one day event

Team Massey rider Virginia Thompson has taken out the one star class at the weekend’s national one-day event held at the Richfield thoroughbred stud farm near Te Kauwhata.

Ms Thompson, riding Ashbury Pee Cee, led throughout on her dressage score against a strong field that included current eventing world cup champion Clarke Johnstone.

The one star class is considered an indicator of future elite level horse and rider combinations, and the ability of Ms Thompson to run clear over the international level course at the one day champs make her one of the favourites for the Puhinui three-day event to be held next week.

Massey University is the proud sponsor of the Young Rider Series, which runs throughout the season and is a recognised stable for the most promising young event riders in the country.

The weekend’s win now sees Ms Thompson sitting fourth in the Massey University Young Rider Series. However the two star event was won by South Islander James Avery who extended his lead in the series. To overtake him Ms Thompson must secure a win, and the double points on offer, at Puhinui.

Recent Team Massey graduate and Pro Am series leader Ben Bateman has had an excellent start to the season with Fiber Fresh Façade and developed an early lead in the points series. Heading into the Puhinui event he has maintained his lead in the series but requires a good placing and bonus points maintain his lead.

Fellow Team Massey riders Rochelle McGregor and Alana Alexander will also ride at next week’s three day event.

The Team Massey programme provides mentoring and support from some of the country’s leading coaches, sport scientists and veterinarians to ensure riders can achieve both academic and equestrian excellence.

Massey equine leader Dr Chris Rogers says the University had a long involvement with the development of equestrian talent and sponsorship of the young rider series is a natural extension of our involvement in the equine industry.

“Place getters in the series are given access the Massey University rider development programme,” he says. “Massey is the leading equine education provider in the southern hemisphere, so being involved with this series is a great fit.”