Christen wins Puhinui 3 Day Event

by Virginia Caro

2011 PUHINUI FINAL

Christen Hayde and Tandarra Sweet As were worthy winners of the 3 star class at the Puhinui Three-day Event, producing the only clear showjumping round to finish on their dressage score, making it two wins in a row following victory in the National One-day Event a fortnight earlier, and catapulting them into the lead of the Bell Tea Super League.

South Islander Hayde has been based in the North Island for over a year, to gain further experience, and it has now paid off after time out for injury, and extra help with her showjumping. She was one of only two riders jump a clear cross-country inside the time allowed, pulling up from fifth after the dressage phase.

World Equestrian Games team member Jock Paget was second on Frances Stead’s Clifton Airtight, the position he held from day one, despite having had two rails down in the showjumping, and Brent Jury was third on SE Big, also with two rails down.

Donna Smith quinellaed the 2 star class with Balmoral Sensation and Henton Executive, and was also second in the 1 star class on Balmoral Tall Jan behind World Equestrian Games team member Clarke Johnstone riding Call Me Al for Matthew Grayling.

RESULTS:
Community Trust CCI3*: Christen Hayde, Tandarra Sweet As, 56.2, 1; Jock Paget, Clifton Airtight, 72.2, 2; Brent Jury, SE Big, 74.4, 3; Annabel Wigley, NRM Enzo, 74.6, 4.
Eventing Auckland CCI2*: Donna Smith, Balmoral Sensation, 51.3, 1; D.Smith, Henton Executive, 56.8, 2; Juliet Wood, Bold Trader, 58.1, 3; Louise Leonard, Chrialka Stonehaven, 58.1, 4; Katharine Gillaly, Ricmeister, 61.8, 5.
Veterinary Associates CCI1*: Clarke Johnstone, Call Me Al, 53.4, 1; D.Smith, Balmoral Tall Jan, 55.9, 2; Sophie Anderson, Dr Who, 57.5, 3; Amanda Pottinger, Achilles II, 59.6, 4; Hayley Pickmere, Irishmore, 59.8, 5; Sophie Wilkinson, Turbulence, 59.9, 6.
Horse & Pony CCN Pre-novice: Dannie Lodder, Waitangi Hotmail, 36.6, 1; Nick Brooks, Striking, 37.4, 2; Corey Wood, Pick Up Line, 38.1, 3; Bundy Philpott, Annandale Rock’n’Roll, 39.8, 4; Clarke Johnstone, Vincent, 39.9, 5; Petra Eatson, Brotherhood, 39.9, 6.