Molly Smith is on a roll in her final year of ponies, yesterday winning her second consecutive Equitak Excel Pony of the Year crown, albeit on a different mount.

This time it was Vapour Trail NZPH who took the win with a rail in hand after a heart-stopping second round.

Six of the 27 starters came back for the second round with just Molly and Vapour Trail on zero and the others on four. No one managed a clear in the second and Molly, who was last to go, had two rails in hand. When fence 4A dropped, her heart sank.

“I just thought ‘pick up your toes, Bruiser’,” said Molly, who has been striving to get Vapour Trail to Pony of the Year for the past four years. “Last year he did a tendon just before HOY so I had to step up my other pony.”

That worked out well for her though, when she won on Kabo Fortune Cookie. “It is pretty special to do it on two different ponies on the trot,” said Molly. “I have had an amazing day and just have the best pony, family and supporters. No other pony deserves to win this more than him. We have won almost everything – he really is so special and incredible. I love how hard he tries for me.”

She figures she is probably ready to come off ponies. “I have had a good time on ponies. This (win) is definitely the highlight.”

She and Bruiser – aka Vapour Trail – have also won the Nationals, the South Island Champs twice, North Island Champs and the Pony Grand Prix Series.

Molly has no intention of selling her superstar pony. “I love him too much so I think we will keep him.” Molly’s mum Kelly Evans picked up the Jenni Calver groom’s prize.

Results: Molly Smith (Timaru) Vapour Trail NZPH 1; Emily Oliver (Peka Peka, Kapiti Coast) Barbie Doll RSNZ 2; Daniella Jelliman (Palmerston North) Tallyho Scoundrel 3; Zara Hazledine (Queenstown) Redcliffs Bill 4; Emily Oliver (Peka Peka, Kapiti Coast) Doctor Jones 5; Tessa Harre (New Plymouth) Tallyho Rainman 6.