Candlebark at capacity as eventers head for Riddells Creek
WITH the Victorian horse trials season in full swing it was odds on that Candlebark, at Riddells Creek, would have great competition.
The popular course with its sloping terrain and great vantage points has been a favorite with competitors and spectators of all levels for many years.
Young riders on their way up showed their talent in the two-star class where Caitlin Smith and WG Rococo were the winners.
Despite a lively dressage test that had the pair in fifth place, a double clear round in cross country and showjumping lifted them up the ladder to win by a point from Annabel Nelson riding WS Poncho Loco, another that improved after a sixth in dressage.
Ashlee Slavich and General John were third after dressage and clear across country but an unlucky rail in showjumping cost them the win.
With just three starters in the young rider/junior three-star class, Avril Charman and Hebrides led from start to finish ahead of Annabelle Ennis-Wert and Its Overcast and Freya Cutler and Incy Wincy Spider.
The young rider/junior one-star class was won by Kylah Brewer on the Thoroughbred Princess Keikilani from Alice Darby riding Hermione Day and Lilah Potter riding Rawnaq.
Blackhall Park continues to breed quality sport horses and Lucy Gunn rode Blackall Park Tooleybuc to win the one-star open section in a close finish from Christina Grear and Dalis and Durani Hart’s Vanaheim Ice and Fire.
It’s the time of year when the young horses are beginning to step out and the EA95 had three divisions.
Amy Frazzetto riding Dusty Hero won the young rider/junior section from Emily Walker’s Tempting Fate and Matilda Graesser’s Simply Max.
In the open sections, Arlene Collins’ Sheoak Park Mo Stor and Sarah Jelbart’s Flowervale Majorca headed the lineups.
There were big fields in the EA80 sections and all three were at capacity.
Kloe Soper’s Bonfire Belle won the young rider/junior class from the great pony Treasured BP Hewitt piloted by Lauren Cocks.
Terry Delbridge on Northern Discovery and Natalya Bretherton on Fortunate One were first and second in the first division and two Thoroughbreds stood first and second in the other, with Hayley Womersley’s Armani and Jasmine Reed’s Tiny Timmy the highest placed of 11 ex racehorses trying out their new career.
Action will move to the beautiful Mansfield horse trials this week then the Lakes and Craters trials will close the busy spring-summer season.
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