Ricochet MVNZ Shines Bright in Takapoto Gold Tour Grand Prix Victory

At the iconic Takapoto Estate Show Jumping, Oliver Croucher secured one of the biggest wins of his career, piloting NRS Ricochet MVNZ to victory in the prestigious G.H. MUMM Gold Tour Grand Prix Final.

As the pinnacle event of the Takapoto Classic, it’s the title every top New Zealand showjumper has their eye on. Croucher delivered a brilliantly executed round, clocking a clean 56.54—the fastest of the class—with the nine-year-old gelding who has only recently stepped up to the 1.50m level.

“He’s a lovely horse,” said Croucher. “I was going for the experience for him and had hoped for two clears. I can’t ask for more.”

While Oliver and Ricochet MVNZ took the win, Laura Inkster and her eye-catching grey, Rodrigo MVNZ, impressed throughout the week—finishing fourth in the G.H. MUMM Gold Tour First Qualifier, second in the Second Qualifier, and placing 6th overall in the series.

It wasn’t the only highlight for Laura who was all smiles after winning the APL Window Solutions Silver Tour Opening Qualifier aboard Salut MVNZ. In a tough class with just 10 clears from 53 starters, the Auckland rider and her mount—who only stepped up to the 1.30–1.40m level this year—posted the fastest clear round to take the win.