Visiting Kiwi gets the jump on her rivals

Visiting Kiwi international rider Samantha Macintosh took day one honours at the Spring Showcase of Showjumping event in Richmond, NSW yesterday. The 37 year old New Zealander on her 9yo Belguim bred mare Estina, won the Gold Class Qualifier in a three-way, all-female jump-off, defeating runner up from the 2012 Australian Championships, Sharon Slater of Pitt Town. Third place went to Queensland’s Paula Hamood.

Samantha spent from 1999 through to 2008 competing on the European circuit campaigning a strong team of horses, and represented Bulgaria at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and at two World Equestrian Games (WEG), before reverting to her native New Zealand team for the 2010 WEG in Kentucky USA.

“I was really pleased with my mare today,” said Samantha, “she was in very good form. She can be really difficult in the practice arena, but when she’s on form, she gives her all. I really must thank her owners, Lake Ridge Equestrian in New Zealand.”

The well-travelled Kiwi was also full of praise for the show itself, and the organisers, John and Kerrie Winning.

“It’s such a lovely show, a beautiful setting, it really feels like a true international show. The Winnings have done a great job.”

Earlier in the day, current Australian senior champion Tom McDermott from Mulgoa (near Penrith) asserted his authority by taking the trifecta in the Silver qualifier, winning the class on CP Romantic Dream, coming second on CP Rolex and then third on Laguna Beach.

The Spring Showcase will have two major competitions. Saturday will feature a “Boys v Girls Charity Challenge” in a dash-for-cash event with the prize money going to the Cancer Council.

Then on Sunday, it’s the big one – the Gold Class final – with the added spice of some good old-fashioned trans-Tasman rivalry.

Where: Sydney Polo Club, 100 Old Kurrajong Road, Richmond NSW.
When: Friday, Saturday and Sunday, September 13-15, from 8am to 4pm each day.
Free admission and parking