NZCT South Island FEI Three Day Event

And Trans-Tasman Young Rider Challenge

April 22-25, 2010

Sheds NZ National Equestrian Centre

McLeans Island, Christchurch

   Australasia’s leading young event riders will be in action over Anzac weekend for the Trans Tasman Young Rider Challenge as part of the New Zealand Community Trust South Island FEI Three Day Event at the Sheds NZ National Equestrian Centre atMcLeans Island.

   Held bi-annually, the Trans Tasman Young Rider Challenge showcases eventing’s champions of the future. Its addition has added a new dimension to the NZCT South Island a FEI Three Day Event, traditionally a highlight of the South Island eventingcalendar.

   The Trans Tasman Young Rider Challenge will run within the CCI2* competition, making for an interesting class. Given the Australians are coming into the event having lost the series on home soil at Camperdown in 2009, expectations are high for some top class competition.

   The New Zealand team of Simon Gordon, Ashleigh McKinstry, Larissa Srhoy, Devan Wilson, Douglas Thomson and Charlotte Grayling will certainly have their work cut out to retain the trophy.

   Outside of the Trans Tasman competitors the Tavern Harewood CCI2* will also include a number of the country’s top eventers vying for top honours and vital qualifying scores for the NZ National Three Day Event in Taupo.

   Defending champion Emily Butcher of West Melton has both Benjamin James and My Shout entered but she will face some stiff competition from compatriot Kate Cavanagh on Mendelssohn, who has been in strong form this season. The South Islanders will also be up against North Island visitors Katharine Van Tuyl and Nicole Peat.

   The DEVI Heating System CCI1* is also well supported with Kirsty Ogilvie joining Butcher and Cavanagh as the main South Island hopes up against a strong field including northern visitors Sam Taylor with the talented youngster Leo Degas and Katharine Van Tuyl, who has three rides entered.

   Although the CIC3* has only attracted a small field of three starters, it too should produce some top-class competition.

   Entries across the rest of the classes will be hotly contested with large fields throughout. The competition also marks the end of the Mitavite Vitamite Cool Performer Pre Novice/Novice Challenge which has been running throughout the season.

   The competition gets underway on Thursday April 22 with the prestigious Saddlery Barn South Island Young Eventer at 1pm, followed by a public course walk with Olympian and World Champion Blyth Tait at 3pm. The South Island Three Day Event proper will be officially opened by Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker at 9am on Friday, April 23, just prior to the trot up, followed by the dressage phase.

   Entry to the event is FREE on Thursday, Friday and Sunday. On Saturday, cross country day, the entry is $5 per person or $10 per car.

For further information:

Eventing Canterbury Media Liaison – Annie Studholme

   P: 03 3037379

   M: 021 0407620

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   Or

   Sarah Bromley

   P: 03 325 5837

   M: 027 292 6161

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