The winners have been announced for the NZB-sponsored Best Newcomer Award this season, formed as part of the NZTR and Equestrian Sports NZ wider show series, Thoroughbreds in Equestrian Sports (TiES). 

The NZB Newcomer Award recognises the success and versatility of thoroughbreds in equestrian sports for those newly registered with ESNZ (first year competing) with the eligible disciplines including dressage, eventing, showjumping and show hunter. 

With the season coming to an end, the successful newcomers showcased a range of ability on the track. From those that never raced to a two-start winner, including one mare who won two respective disciplines. 

Dressage and Eventing – Alpha Tauri (NZ) (Raise the Flag) 

The now eight-year-old mare by Raise the Flag out of Missy’s Filly, Alpha Tauri took away not just one but two NZB Newcomer awards, as well as the overall Dressage winner of the TiES series. 

Formally trained under the name Deebeewiththestars by Sophie Price in Winton, Alpha Tauri raced for nine starts, placing just twice on the track. Bred and owned by M J & P G Crooks, her racing career was short but she soon found a loving home with rider Chloe Cann and her mother, Jenna.  

“Chloe is just fourteen, and this is her first season with Sadie (Alpha Tauri),” commented Jenna after the mare was announced as the winner of the NZB Newcomer award in Dressage and Eventing.  

“She’s such a little superstar, amongst a warmblood-driven sport, we love her to bits. 

“TiES is such a great incentive for all thoroughbred owners and really fun to be part of,” she added.  

“Alpha Tauri is also a talented eventer, and we can’t wait for next season.” 

Showjumping – Tobruck (NZ) (The Bold One) 

An unraced son of The Bold One out of Taatledoya secured the Showjumping Newcomer award this season. At just the young age of five, Tobruck is thriving in his new preferred role with his owner and rider Karen Patrick. 

“I was very lucky that Ted (Tobruck) made his way from Allan Sharrock’s stables to EventStars, to ending up in my paddock,” mentioned Patrick. 

“He is a very loveable character who is super gentle and kind with the kids, as well as being brave and consistently trying his heart out in the ring. 

“He has been an absolute pleasure to produce,” she added. 

Having competed Tobruk in the Showjumping Futurity Series as well as the Five-Year-Old Series in the show ring this season, the pair have made a successful start to their sport horse career.  

“He has really held his own against some pretty fancy sport horse breeding. At home, he’s just the perfect pet too.”  

Show Hunter – Mogador (NZ) (Proisir) 

Six-year-old Mogador (NZ) (Proisir) and his seventeen-year-old rider Mary Leatham were named winners of the NZB Show Hunter Newcomer award this season, as well as placing fourth overall in the TiES Show Hunter series.  

Bred by T Needham and Ms. S Whittaker and out of Essaouira, Mogador (NZ) raced thirteen times and earned a total of $18,437 in stakes for owners Ms D Cuthbert and P Smith and trainer Fraser Auret. With two wins to his name, he retired just over eighteen months ago and found his home with Kate Fleming and rider Mary.  

By champion sire Proisir, Mogador is now relishing in his new career.

“He retired and was produced off the track my myself as an eventer and all rounder, commented Fleming. 

“Mary took over the reins in April 2023, and this is her first thoroughbred experience. She is totally converted, 

“They decided to give show hunter a go to solidify their foundations in the ring and they have loved competing in a new discipline this season.”

For more information about the TiES Series, visit here.