Dannevirke showjumping: Taupō's Francis flies to victory in World Cup Qualifier

The Poli Payments FEI World Cup Qualifier round at the MetalForm Central and Southern Hawke's Bay Showjumping Championships has been won by Taupo teen Annabel Francis.

The 18-year-old added another solid win to her tally with the victory on her bay mare La Quinara and is currently third in the FEI World Cup leader board - behind Tegan Fitzimon and Waipukurau's Brooke Edgecombe.

Ten lined up to be challenged by course designer Roger Laplanche in the last qualifier of New Zealand's highest-ranking series, with the final next weekend in Auckland.

Clear rounds came from Havelock North's Melody Matheson on Cortaflex Graffiti MH, Emelia Forsyth aboard her former eventer Henton Faberge and series leader Tegan Fitzsimon with Windermere Cappuccino.

Five combinations sat on four faults apiece, including Francis and her mounts La Quinara, who had a rail at the first jump, and Carado GHP, her nominated horse for the valuable series points.

In the second round, only Francis and La Quinara managed to leave everything up.

"My plan was for a fast clear to put the pressure on the others and we did just that," she said.

"She is so brave and has so much scope."

This is Francis' second World Cup qualifier win aboard La Quinara.

"It is very special to win again. I love working hard and getting good results like this," she said.

Her 12-year-old German-import La Quinara also won the Haupouri Best First Year World Cup Horse.

The teen chose to retire her other horse Carado GHP - she added that it just wasn't his day.

The winner of the New Zealand league, which culminates with the final next weekend, usually has the chance to represent the nation at the Longines FEI World Cup Final.

The FEI Final is scheduled to be held at the end of March in Gothenburg Sweden, but it is uncertain whether it'll go ahead due to the global pandemic.

Six Hawke's Bay showjumpers have been jumping in the competition - including Brooke Edgecombe who is in second place with 62 points, Melody Matheson in fourth on 55 points, Logan Massie in sixth with 45 points, Simon Wilson in ninth and Maurice Beatson 10th.

Napier's Tessa Mason won the Country TV John Gilliland Memorial Pony Grand Prix on her pony Mr Acho.