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Aussies Amped to be Returning to Takapoto

There’s an Aussie ‘invasion’ for the Takapoto Estate Show Jumping and it’s likely to cause a few ripples . . . in the best way possible.

Amber Fuller and CP Aretino, competing at Takapoto in 2019, is excited to be returning to the boutique show next month. Photo credit Cheleken Photography

Amber Fuller and CP Aretino, competing at Takapoto in 2019, is excited to be returning to the boutique show next month. Photo credit Cheleken Photography

Crossing the Tasman for New Zealand’s premier boutique show are some of their best, including Olympians and top-ranked riders, as well as exciting up-and-comers. Takapoto principal Mitch Plaw couldn’t be happier and says the massive turnout of up to 14 top Australian riders is largely thanks to showjumping patron Hamish Douglass who created the Australian Teams’ League in the spirit of the cash-rich Global Champions League and his top rider Amber Fuller.

“I am super excited to be comping back to compete at Takapoto again,” said Amber. “The Plaw family have built a world-class venue with amazing arenas in the most scenic place anyone can imagine. Coming over to New Zealand to compete against a top-class group of different riders and horses, and to jump at such a show is honestly the highlight of our year.”

Their visit in 2019 had been hugely beneficial for the whole team. “It was an education and enriching experience for both horse and rider,” she said. “With the inclusion of the teams’ event this year it is shaping up to be even more exciting. We can’t wait!”

Two-time Olympian James Patterson Robinson leads the charge alongside former Australian senior champion Amber and Tokyo hopeful Tom McDermott.

Also making the trip is James Arkins, who is no stranger to competing in New Zealand, Australian World Cup series runner-up Kate Hinschen, Elysian Fields Aquis two-time Young Rider champion Amelia Douglass, Jessie Rice-Ward, Elliott Reeves, Jamie Winning-Kermond, state champ Paul Brett, Amanda Madigan, Mel Blair, Hayden James and former Australian children’s champ Chloe Versteegen.

Last year Amber, Kate and Amelia certainly made their presence felt at Takapoto and they’ll be looking for some big results from their trip. Douglass’ Chatham Park has a team comprising Amelia, Kate and Amber and in the inaugural Takapoto 1.4m Teams’ Championship, with Jessie, Tom and James making up the AJTL team, Elliott, Jamie and Mel in the GPI Racing/Yandoo team with Paul in the Takapoto NZ team.

WHAT: Takapoto Estate Show Jumping
WHEN: Week 1 – February 20-23, 2020, Week 2 – February 25 (training day)-March 1, 2020
WHERE: Takapoto Estate, 90 Finlay Road, Maungatautari, Waikato 3494
MORE INFO: www.takapotoestateshowjumping.co.nz

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