Rider wins first time out

First time competitive trail rider (CTR) Portia Barcello provided one of the highlights at last weekend's Marlborough Endurance and Trail Riding Club's early season CTR rides.

Barcello and her horse Heineken showed their skills at Ditchling Forrest on Sunday in the 15km novice trail ride against 14 other competitors recording just 84 faults. Second, on 92 faults, was new club member Teresa Thompson from Ward, riding Feroza, who just pipped her daughter Brooke, onboard Sandy, who finished equal third with Pam Harris and Zilla D'Oro on 93.

Forty horse and rider combinations over two days enjoyed a sometimes challenging course.

On Saturday four riders took part in the novice 40km endurance. All four made short work of the vineyard loops, with average speeds of over 20kmh being recorded for some. Entries were limited in the 15km and 25km endurance rides, with most Marlborough riders opting for CTR instead.

Kelley-Anne Rasmussen hadn't competed in CTR for a few years but showed her skills, she and Kaimanawa Disciple finishing just 32 seconds under their optimum time to grab victory by five points. Kaye Cleaver moved up from novice and recorded another good score of just 95 faults and claimed the lowest heart rates for the day with her horse Narcella. On the intermediate track Jenny May and Puketoi Aliyah came home first with 92, well clear of Glenys Parson and Stirling McAvoy.

Sunday's open 40km ride was contested by track markers Heidi Bulfin and Kim Swan. Bulfin, riding Stonelea Sparkling Rose, just edged out Swan, onboard Roselea Shady, finishing on 98 and 102 respectively.

The 5km lead rein class was won by first time rider Shaun Prangley and his pony Maffodale Golly Gosh, ahead of Nicole Bourke with Goldie and Paul Allen and Northern Rock.

Results from Sunday, August 22: Novice 15km: Portia Barcello, Heineken, 84. Teresa Thompson, Feroza, 92. Brooke Thompson, Sandy and Pam Harris, Zilla D'Oro, 93. Training 15km: Kelly-Anne Rasmussen, Kaimanawa Disciple, 90. Kaye Cleaver, Narcella, 95. Cheryl Payne, Abby, 99. Intermediate 25km: Jenny May, Puketoi Aliyah, 92. Glenys Parsons, Stirling McAvoy, 104. Open 40km: Heidi Bulfin, Stonelea Sparkling Rose, 98. Kim Swan, Roselea Shady, 102. Lead Rein 5km: Shaun Prangley, Maffodale Golly Gosh, 90. Nicole Bourke, Goldie, 99. Paul Allen, Northern Rock, 102.

- The Marlborough Express