Sophie Scott and Benrose Stellar won the 2024-2025 series final at Waitemata in January. On Sunday they looked right at home, posting a double clear to take the class in 55.61 seconds ahead of last season’s series victors Julie Davey (Hastings) and LT Holst Freda who were also all clean but slightly slower, crossing the flags in 60.1.
It will be Julie who gets the top points for the class though as Sophie nominated Normandy GHP as her chosen mount for the class. As it was, Normandy placed fifth, finishing on eight faults.
“One day I will nominate the right horse,” said 23-year-old Sophie, who faced the same challenge last season and had she got it right, would have won the series.
“But a win is a win, and I will take it! That was probably one of our most rideable rounds,” she said of 13-year-old Stellar. “She was incredible out there and is so consistent.”
Sophie was rapt with both her mounts, saying her campaign to Australia in the winter months seemed to have really paid dividends. “I definitely think it has given us that little step up coming into this season. They are fitter and just used to jumping that kind of track already.”
She was full of praise with Isabel Rothenberger’s course, saying it has provided a great class of jumping. “The footing was great too – we are lucky to be jumping out there.”
Isabel produced a very open and flowing course in the APL grass arena at Takapoto that was certainly up to height but welcoming for the World Cup debutants in the eight strong class.
In the first round, clears came only from Sophie and Julie, but in the second first-timers Tristan Thomas (Rotorua) and Matai Zarite posted a beautiful clear to wing their way into third place. “She is just an incredible mare with such a big heart,” said Tristan of the horse he had produced himself. “I am super happy with her.”
Takapoto Estate looked a picture Sunday afternoon with perfect conditions for the spectators who turned out for a stunning day’s jumping. The Estate’s Mikayla Plaw said the weather gods had “done wonders” especially considering some of the rain they had received.
“It is amazing we have been able to jump on the grass at this time of year. It is the first time we have done it, and it has held up really well so that is positive for future shows,” she said. “It was a really beautiful class.”
She thanked the many spectators and supporters who had come along to the show.
Takapoto will play host for the second qualifier, which is set to go on Friday (November 7).
Results from the ClipMyHorse.TV FEI World Cup opening qualifier (supported by APL):
1. Sophie Scott (Palmerston North) Benrose Stellar
2. Julie Davey (Hastings) LT Holst Freda
3. Tristan Thomas (Rotorua) Matai Zarite
4. Makenzie Causer (Christchurch) Dolce Del Colle
5. Sophie Scott (Palmerston North) Normandy GHP
6. Emma Gillies (Oamaru) Layafet Ego Z
Full results can be found here.
Re-watch the action via ClipMyHorse.TV.
Source: ESNZ press release by Diana Dobson/The Black Balloon, edited by Equestrian Life
