It was all the way of the locals in the Saba Sam area pony teams’ event this afternoon, with Central and Southern Hawke’s Bay hoisting the shield with a convincing win after a challenging class that added howling gales and torrential rain into the mix.

Hawke’s Bay surely were on fire with Ella von Dadelszen aboard Redcliffs Colour Me Quick, Anna Wilson on Redcliffs Bill, Regan Calder with TRS Sniper and Annie Moffett setting a challenge none could match. The four combinations finished on an impressive 12 faults over the two rounds, with the best three combinations from each to count.

Wellington and Otago finished second equal on 20, with Waitemata fourth on 24 and Taranaki fifth on 72.

The only rider over the two rounds to finish on a perfect score was Samantha-Lee Wakeling who rode BMW Sharpshooter for Waitemata.

The Saba Sam Shield was donated by Graeme Hansen in honour of his mighty little black horse Saba Sam who captured the hearts of the nation in the 1960s, including at the Tokyo Olympic Games.

Presenting the shield was Graeme Hansen’s son Richard and his son Willie. “It’s just good to honour the old man’s horse,” said Richard. “He wanted to do something for the kids of New Zealand and this is a great way to do that. He was always very passionate about helping the next generation.”

For full results, head to www.evoevents.co.nz