NEW ZEALAND (by Annie Studholme) The Polish-bred Carnutelabryere and British rider Helen McNaught waltzed away with New Zealand’s richest showjumping class, the two-star CSI Olympic Cup, ahead of 14 other quality combinations at the Horse of the Year show in Hastings.
McNaught, who is married to Kiwi Olympian Duncan McFarlane, and is the younger sister of Swiss Olympian Leslie McNaught- Mändli, has been based in New Zealand since July 2014. She relocated from the United States where she had beenliving since 2003, and it was the first time that an Brit has won this class.
Fifteen combinations started the class, with 12 qualifying for the second round with four faults or less. Carnutelabryere (Cartani - Imme IV x Cor de la Bryère) was one of seven to jump clear in the first round with McNaught, including Showtym Cassaova (Peti Peti Te Whiti - Vee x Voltaire II)/Amanda Wilson; Emmaville Jitterburg (breeding unknown)/Clint Beresford (AUS); Dunstan On The Point Eve (Ephebe For Ever - Titziana-M x Lordanos)/ Katie Laurie; Conyers (Concord - Polinda x Furore)/Maurice Beatson; Kapattack xx (Kaapstad xx - Fanny Black xx x Chem xx)/ Tash Brooks; and Ngahiwi Cisco (Hold Up Premier - Maria x Cisco Cryer)/Olivia Robertson. However, German international course designer Werner Deeg upped the ante in round two with fences up to 1m57...
