Samantha Van Lierde’s win in the Arena Surfaces NZ Seven-Year-Old of the Year was a bittersweet moment for the Cambridge horsewoman.

She previously won the crown in 2019 aboard the late Cadillac NZPH making today’s win on Iconic NZPH all the more special.

“I am absolutely thrilled,” said Samantha. “This is an amazing horse who has come along in leaps and bounds. It is very sentimental to win this as I won it on Cadillac who has sadly passed away.”

Just two of the 13 strong field came back for the jump-off. Samantha was out first and knew she needed a good clean round to put the pressure on Tyla Hackett aboard Takapoto Saffron. “She’s quicker than me so I had to keep the rails up . . . obviously it worked for me. It’s great to win this again.”

Filling the minors behind Samantha and Tyla were a run of four faulters.

Samantha van Lierde (Cambridge) Iconic NZPH (by Vleut out of Emily NZPH who is by Kannan)1; Tyla Hackett (Cambridge) Takapoto Saffron (by Check In out of Claire who is by Chasseur I) 2;  Vicki Prendergast (Matamata) Stiletto C (by Cohinoor VDL out of Sofee who is by Powerfee) 3.

For full results www.evoevents.co.nz