Golden Start for Loiselle at HOY
Tuesday, 5 March 2024
Kathryn Loiselle turned a ‘warm-up’ class into the biggest win of her career today when she steered Haupouri Drama NZPH to a win in the Norwood Gold Cup at the Land Rover Horse of the Year Show.
The historic trophy is considered the first of the big classes at HOY and one everyone wants their name etched on.
“It’s just incredible,” said Kathryn. The plan was to use the class as a warm-up for the Silver Fern Stakes and Olympic Cup, but Drama had other ideas. “I worked her this morning but you couldn’t tell! She was really firing in the first round.”
Kathryn and Drama were one of just three clear rounds from the 27-strong opener, with the others coming from Sophie Scott (Palmerston North) aboard both Benrose Stellar and Waitangi Skynet. Coming back for the second round were seven four-faulters.
There were four clear rounds in the second, but only Kathryn notched a double clear.
Coming in for second on four faults was Sophie with Waitangi Skynet on four faults in 46.71 seconds, with Vicki Wilson (Hawke’s Bay) on Millionaire VWNZ in third on four faults in 49.2. Julie Davey (Hastings) filled fourth and fifth with LT Holst Freda and Just D with Sophie and Stellar sixth on eight faults.
“She is so special,” said Kathryn of the mare who has been with her since she was five years old. Her husband Alex rode Drama in her first half season as a five-year-old before Kathryn took over the ride.
“The moment I sat on her I just fell in love,” she said.
Drama is now 11 but has only done one Horse of the Year Show previously. “This is such a special win,” said Kathryn. “You see everyone winning this and to have get my name on the trophy and be part of history is amazing.”
Life is busy for Kathryn who is mum to eight-month-old Ava. She rode until she was 34 weeks pregnant – “just hacking though” – and waited all of two weeks post-partum.
“I was itching to get back on. I had sat on the sofa watching so much showjumping I just wanted to be back out riding.”
The 29-year-old is hoping her golden start is a sign of things to come. “I hope this will be the best weekend ever! Alex has always rated this horse and believe she will go all the way.”
She and Alex are the best of mates and love to see each other do well. “It is so much fun doing this with him.”
Earlier today, the Saba Sam Shield was presented to Central and Southern Hawke’s Bay who edged out six other areas to take the honours. Ella von Dadelszen aboard Redcliffs Colour Me Quick, Anna Wilson on Redcliffs Bill, Regan Calder with TRS Sniper and Annie Moffett aboard Korokipo Kid, set a challenge none could match.
The four combinations finished on an impressive 12 faults over the two rounds, with the best three combinations from each to count. Wellington and Otago finished second equal on 20, with Waitemata fourth on 24 and Taranaki fifth on 72.
The only rider over the two rounds to finish on a perfect score was Samantha-Lee Wakeling who rode BMW Sharpshooter for Waitemata.
Graeme Hansen donated the Saba Sam Shield in honour of his mighty little black horse Saba Sam who captured the hearts of the nation in the 1960s, including at the Tokyo Olympic Games.
Presenting the shield was Graeme Hansen’s son Richard and his son Willie. “It’s just good to honour the old man’s horse,” said Richard. “He wanted to do something for the kids of New Zealand and this is a great way to do that. He was always very passionate about helping the next generation.”
Event director Sophie Blake says the weather certainly added another challenging dimension to the first two days of the show. “It was so nice to be able to enjoy the Norwood Gold Cup in relative calm and celebrate with our winner Kathryn Loiselle.”
The show runs through until Sunday when the Oceania Eventing Challenge will be decided between New Zealand and Australia, the Olympic Cup will be awarded to the Showjumper of the Year, and the Dressage Horse of the Year will be crowned.
WHAT: Land Rover Horse of the Year Show WHERE: Tōmoana Showgrounds, Heretaunga, Hastings WHEN: March 5-10, 2024 MORE INFO AND TICKETS: www.hoy.kiwi
