Oliver Edgecombe is never one with a lot of words, but after steering wife Brooke’s Inca NZPH to a title in the 4Cyte Six-Year-Old of the Year he was quietly chuffed.
“Bit lucky to get the ride I guess,” he said with a grin.
Twenty started the class with six combinations finishing the first round with clean slates. Clears in the jump-off came from Jess Linton (Hastings) aboard Icarus NZPH who crossed the flags in 50.33 seconds, and Heloise Tolo (Wellington) on Haupouri Incognito who came home in 55.45. Waipukurau farmer Oliver was last to go and knew just what to do, coming home all clear in 50.27 seconds to take the win. Jesse was second and Heloise third.
Oliver only has the ride on Inca NZPH because Brooke has taken her top mare to the United States to compete.
“Inca has been competitive right through,” said Oliver, “first with Julie Davey, and then with Brooke. She is a naturally quick horse which helped.”
Inca is currently leading ESNZ’s Equitak Excel Six-Year-Old Series.
Somewhat surprisingly, Oliver hadn’t received any instructions from Brooke but her mum Jan Zander was ringside to keep an eye on things.
It’s not the first six-year-old title Oliver has won, having ridden off with the cover with Freelance many years ago.
For full results, head to www.evoevents.co.nz