New Zealanders still in contention at Aquis Champions Tour
Above: Tom Tarver-Priebe and Equifibre Popeye
Two of New Zealand’s finest riders, Melody Matheson and Tom Tarver-Priebe are both still in contention for the rich prize money on offer at the Aquis Champions tour. Yesterday they both performed well in the First Qualifying Round. Click HERE to read yesterday’s story.
Today, the Second Qualifying round was held with the battle on between 41 combinations to make the top ranked 25 combinations, who will be eligible for Sunday’s final.
Tom Tarver-Priebe, riding Equifibre Popeye improved slightly on yesterday’s twelfth place finish to come in tenth today. While the final field is yet to be published, there can be no doubt that he has made it comfortably.
Tom Tarver-Priebe and Equifibre Popeye
Melody Matheson and Graffiti MH took two rails today to finish in 26th place. When considered with her 8th placing yesterday, there is every expectation that she will be joining Tom in the final which has total prize money of $130,000 AUD with $40,000 AUD for the winner.
Melody Matheson and Graffiti MH
We look forward to seeing how they go on the big stage in Australia.
The top ten placegetters in this class were:
| PLACE | RIDER | HORSE | $ |
| 1st | Gabrielle Kuna | Flaire | $950 |
| 2nd | Elliot Reeves | Aveden Indigo | $780 |
| 3rd | Jamie Kermond | Yandoo Oaks Constellation | $680 |
| 4th | Jess Brown | Casco | $520 |
| 5th | Melissa Blair | Zidora | $350 |
| 6th | Chris Chugg | PSS Levilensky | $300 |
| 7th | Tom McDermott | Elegance De La Charmille | $100 |
| 8th | Kate Hinschen | Finch Farm Cadel | $70 |
| 9th | Billy Raymont | Anton | – |
| 10th | Tom Tarver-Priebe | Equifibre Popeye | – |
