THE Kiwi partnership of Tim Price and Pats Jester justified their ante-post favouritism to land the feature class with a fence in hand. The result was not quite as clear cut as it appeared however, as Price, who had filled second spot overnight, only gained victory in the final moments.

In a dramatic show jumping phase, the New Zealand Olympian watched from the side lines as runaway leaders Ben Hobday riding the former Jesse Campbell-ridden Kaapachino, incredibly hit seven fences to plummet down the order. “That was so tough on Ben,” said Price. “But I’m delighted for this horse, who is the most generous horse I’ve ever sat on. This was his first long format class, and I think he’s very impressive. We were lucky to get the best of the ground in the country yesterday, and while I felt we had fuel in the tank, he did feel a little bit empty at the finish.”