Morrow’s Dark Star lets her big heart shine

The well-run Oxley horse trials combined with fine weather gave competitors the chance to showcase their talent.

Rock on: Emily McQueen and Bransby Rock Icon were EvA80 section 1 winners and Off the Track winners for the Eva80cm. Picture: Tazzie Eggins

THE Oxley horse trials gave the north of the state competitors their first good competition for the year.

The town is near Wangaratta on the King River and the small group of people that organise the event provided a great course, that was both inviting and testing. The Stewart Bellingham built cross-country track was aerated to provide good footing for the horses.

“The weekend was spectacular, fantastic weather. It was a well-run event with great relaxed atmosphere,’’ said event president Trina Bellingham.

Talented young rider Tess Morrow rode the winner of the One Star level event. Her mount, Nawarrah Park Dark Star, is a strong black sired by a Welsh Section D Cob, from a Thoroughbred mare and the pair have had success in horse trials and showjumping.

“I have had Dark Star since she was five years old, she is now nine. We have come up through the grades together.

“She has the biggest heart, she never lets me down, we have learnt so much together and it’s been such a rewarding experience,” Tess said.

In second place was another young rider, Georgia Lunn, just three points away with Clarence Park Flying High.

Lisa North’s Magical Mystical Merlin took the award for highest placed Thoroughbred. In the 95cm class, Jasmyn Beesley and her mum’s home bred, Jazdan Spellbound repeated their win of last year, when they took out the 80cm class.

It was once again a close finish with Andy Daines’ Dom Perignon MVH just one point behind in second place.

Emily McQueen’s Thoroughbred — Bransby Rock Icon — won the first division of the EA80cm class leading from start to finish, and Harriet Eaton’s Royal Token did the same in the other division.

The Thoroughbreds featured strongly in the EA65 events, with Lisa North’s Elvis the Dude winning one section and Kimberley Johnson’s George taking the other.

Keep in touch with the latest rural news and information. Download our iOS or Google app and sign up to our email newsletters

MORE

IDERS ENTER DISTRICT COMP TO PREPARE FOR MAJOR DRESSAGE EVENT

OWNER RIDERS BACK TO COMPETE IN BARASTOC HORSE OF THE YEAR EVENT

COVID CIRCUIT-BREAKER SHUTS DOWN FAMOUS SHOW