Michelle Helmare and Ad Astra secured an early lead in the Homebodii Ladies Class 1.25m.

Australian Showjumpers Shine at Larapinta

By Equestrian Life

Friday at Larapinta Equestrian was off to an early start, with the action in ring one beginning at 7am. The event, which is ran expertly by top showjumpers Stuart and Becky Jenkins, is held in the equine oasis that is Larapinta Equestrian. The facility boasts 20 hectares of lush landscape, including two polo fields, stables, wash bays and a horse walker – solidifying itself as a must attend event, and venue, for all Australian showjumpers.

The Pink Hills Pastoral 1.35m – 1.40m Mini Prix Round 2 was won convincingly by Sarah Duggan and Mare Oaks Diamantina (Diarado x Pro Ratio), where it was an all ladies line up with Emily Riley and mare Rhapsody in Blue in second, and Samantha Dernee and mare Laurel Glen Quintessence in thirf.

Sarah shared with Equestrian Life: “(Oaks Diamantina) is so brave and careful, it’s a hard combination to find. She really wants to win just as much as you do."

After the weather cancelled jumping on Wednesday, the World Cup warm up class was substituted into the schedule this morning to give the combinations an opportunity to familiarise themselves in the arena. Ten of the 24 World Cup combinations started in the class, with Jamie Winning-Kermond and Yandoo Honolulu taking the win.

The highly anticipated Diamond Lodge Amateur 1.20m was won early by Bree Wiblen and Silverado EZ (Charlemagne Ego Z x Falkrich), who held on to a 10-second lead that couldn’t be beaten. “To get the win today, it’s pretty special. He’s definitely my heart horse and a horse I used to dream of when I was a little girl,” shared Bree after her round.

Graeme Watts, FEI Level 3 Course Designer, gave the riders a competitive course with lots to think about – with combinations often landing in a half stride. Rising to the challenge, it was Meegan Cooper and Kelecyn Bam Bam who secured second, with Rebecca Bates and WHF Colin Frissel in third. The top 25 from today’s class will contest the coveted final on Sunday.

In what was arguably the most thrilling class of the day, the Saddleworld Ipswich Junior 1.20m saw less than one second separating the top four. In a field of over 60 riders, it was Sienna Holdworth-Rose and Coolart Farm Short Torque who secured first place on 65 seconds, with Tanner Robinson and Charlie second on 65.44 and James Hosie with AMS Ajaccio NZPH rounding out the top three on 65.81.

In another class of almost 60 riders, the Homebodii Ladies Class 1.25m concluded the day in Ring 1.

Speaking to Equestrian Life, Becky Jenkins shared that the inspiration for the class was from her trips to NZ Horse of the Year, where she knew she wanted to bring a ladies only competition back to Australia. It was again an early lead, with Michelle Helmare and Ad Astra securing a time no one could beat of 71.90 seconds. Gemma Creighton and Its Silkbridge placed second, whilst Frida Lindgreen and Wonderee Colleen placed third.

Tomorrow's Schedule

Tomorrow the action begins from 8am, with the much awaited World Cup Qualifier starting from approximately 2pm.

Streaming schedule:

·       The Saddlefitter Future Stars Final (Art. 273.3.3.1, for top 25 horses after Round 1 & 2)

·       The Star Gold Coast and Peachester Lodge Mini Prix (Art. 273.3.3.1, for top 25 horses after Round 1 & 2)

·       National Storage CSI1*-W FEI World Cup Qualifier 1.55m (Art. 273.4.3b-W)

·       Larapinta Equestrian 6 Bar ($20,000 total prize money)

You can view the live streaming live and free tomorrow on our Live TV Page: HERE

Published 26 April 2024.

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