Twenty riders fronted for the Zone Champs, an 'elevator' ride with options
at 80 km and 115 km plus of course the full 160 km. It was a midnight start
in ideal conditions - cool, clear and a bright moon. The course took us out
over Mt Best, with stunning views over the surrounding countryside and
Wilson's Promontory, the southernmost tip of mainland Australia. Leg 1 was
35 km.
The second leg went out over the aptly named Mt Fatigue and was 45 km in
length. Four riders retired at the end of leg 2 including Noel Wiesman,
(visiting from Queensland) who chose not to continue after his horse jumped
on his foot, mangling his toe, and Deb Sotiriou who was suffering from the 'flu.
Leg 3 was leg 1 again, and in the daylight we could see how stony the tracks
were. The local shire had done extensive roadworks after a very wet winter
and had put down sharp stones on the main gravel roads. The shire also
sponsored the ride for $200 so we won't be too critical here!
Six riders retired at the 115 km mark including the author. Nikita had
broken the 1000 mile mark for the year and finished on a high note. Gotta
beat my drum here, as I am very proud of my mare. 1614 km since February was
a goal I thought out of reach, but with a rather intense schedule since the
Quilty in June and 5 rides in 8 weeks including Mt Cole Challenge we did it.
Not only that, Nikita has completed all of the 24 rides she has entered in
the past two years (no vetouts) to total 3001 km in that period. There, I
had to tell the world about it, and what better way than Ridecamp!
Also retiring at 115 km was Arthur Patterson. His mare Negina clocked up her
career 1000 miles. Arthur is 74, and this year completed the Jog-A-Long
Marathon (250 km/3 days), the Tom Quilty Gold Cup (160 km/1 day) and Mt Cole
Challenge (240 km/2 days). What an inspiration! People like Arthur take away
the excuse "I'm too old"!
Seven riders set out on the last leg of 45 km. The pace had slowed
considerably as the stony going made racing too risky. The first three
riders finished mid-afternoon, and the remainder well into the evening.
Unfortunately Julie Green's horse Sharahd Houdini, a tough
Arabian/Standardbred gelding was sore in the back end and was put out at the
final check.
So, that was the last ride of the year, and my last competitive ride for
about a year and a half. Nikita is going off to stud later next month and
will get a well-earned rest after two big years in competition.
Results: GERZ Championships 160 km Elevator, 22-23 Nov 96
160 km
Hwt
1 Jim Thiveos Thivo Park Sir Elkon 18:14
Mwt
1 Robin Vanderwegen Charlie 14:24 BC (Mwt/Hwt)
2 Alan Salter Aden 14:32
3 Julie Woods Trapper 20:01
Jnr
1 Naomi McGaffin Atara Proud 14:02 BC (Lwt/Jnr)
Lwt
1 Richard Pollard Lord Arulis 20:42
115 km Retirees
Luke Steele Nikita bint Kopoola
Arthur Patterson Negina
Mike Sheldon Trooper
Kristy McGaffin Kelara Aladin
Tania Campbell Jakara
Jane Sheldon Trigger
80 km Retirees
Noel Wiesman Allira Park Dark Side of the Moon
Heather Saunders Chippar
Sally Cowan Cathgeo Karma
Deb Sotiriou Lasburn Hamid
Your reporter, Luke Steele and Nikita the wonder mare:
1614 km this year, Victorian Heavyweight Horse of the Year 1995 and 1996
Victorian Heavyweight Distance Horse 1995 and 1996
Australian Heavyweight Distance Horse 1996
Regards,
Luke Steele
luke.steele@fujitsu.com.au