New Zealand Bloodstock is proud to be at the forefront of a new sponsorship incentive known as the NZB Best Newcomer Award, forming part of the NZTR Thoroughbreds in Equestrian Sports (TiES) Series.  

Working in partnership with Equestrian Sports New Zealand and NZTR, NZB have sponsored the inaugural award introduced for the 2022-23 season, recognising the success and versatility of thoroughbreds in equestrian sports. 

The eligible disciplines within the Series included dressage, eventing, show jumping and show hunter for thoroughbreds newly registered with ESNZ, and following the close of the season the winners have been announced. 

Eventing – Nightshift (NZ) 

The now 12-year-old grey gelding Nightshift (NZ) (Volksraad) took out the TiES NZB Newcomer award for eventing with his rider Gemma Hampson.  

Formally trained by Catherine Cleghorn and owned by AJ & I M Barker, with eight starts and one win he retired sound to find his footing and second purpose on the eventing scene with Gemma.  

“He’s the project horse that I decided to keep,” laughs Gemma.   

Gemma and Nightshift have had a comparatively short competition history with just five outings at 1.05m and completing their first CCI2* start in December where they placed second.  He’s had top five results at nearly every event.  

“He’s a careful jumper, dressage has come along, and two events in the autumn have shown he’s consistent.” 

“I was surprised he won the Newcomer Award considering the weather and fewer events we’ve had.  He’s done well and shows the sort of guy that he is,” commented Gemma. 

Showjumping – De Silver Lining (NZ) 

Eight-Year-Old De Silver Lining (NZ) (Roc De Cambes) and his rider Elyza McDonald

rode off with the TiES NZB Newcomers Award in their chosen discipline, as well as placing third overall in the showjumping series.  

The 16-year-old from Masterton, who also rode in the Mainland Coachwork Junior Rider Series, said they’d had a brilliant season and the award was the icing on the cake. 

De Silver Lining, known as ‘Rocky’ at home, is just eight and it is their first full season together.  

“Thoroughbreds are great,” commented McDonald. 

“Their will to do whatever you ask about them is pretty neat. Rocky is a quick learner too – he figured out it would be better to listen than not.” 

Former trainer of De Silver Lining, Shaun Phelan was elated to hear the results and news of Rocky’s newfound career.  

‘’He was a big slow maturing horse, stable favourite amongst our family but he never showed speed and desire to be a racehorse, but I knew he could jump and he was quite talented at it,” commented the former jumps jockey and trainer.  

“He was a special horse. He was bred by Lesley Murray and her late husband Dave Murray of Cambridge, and he was born the day of Mr Murray’s passing so this will mean a lot to her knowing he’s doing so well and being so loved.’’ 

Dressage – Southern Aurora II (NZ) 

Louisa Doig and Southern Aurora II (NZ) (Raise the Flag) combined to win the NZB Newcomer Award, while also placing second overall in the TiES Dressage Series on 51 points.  

Southern Aurora, or ‘Gizmo’ as he is fondly known, came from Kevin and Pam Hughes’ stable in Riccarton. A Raise the Flag gelding that raced until he was eight years old, for a win and several placings on the flat and over hurdles. 

Marge Ridley, who has a good eye for a horse, spotted him on the track and took him home with a show jumping career in mind. Thankfully for Louisa, Marg decided that with his stunning paces and presence, he would be more suited to the quieter world of showing and dressage. 

“I was getting back into riding after having a few years off to be a mum so I was looking for a special horse,” commented Doig.  

“I had always ridden thoroughbreds and love them; they are such versatile honest creatures that thrive on having a job to do.” 

“He has ended his season on such a high and winning the NZB Newcomer award is such a thrill,” she says. 

“Sponsored classes organised like this are widely appreciated, as it gives us the opportunity to showcase the talents of our versatile thoroughbreds in their lives after racing.’’