Papakura horseman Jay Abernethy is the inaugural 2017 ‘New Zealand Gearing Up’ champion.

The 36-year-old geared up a harness, hopples, a bridle, and shin and knee boots in three minutes 14 seconds.

The competition was part of the 2017 Hilux Rural Games and was staged in ‘The Square’ in down-town Palmerston North last Saturday (March 11).

Olivia Picford was second, while Alan Pyers finished third. Fourth went to Scott Dickson and Kerry Tarrant finished fifth.

Abernethy claimed the Blossom Lady Cranbourne Gold Cup and prizes for his victory.

He was rapt to have helped out organisers by just entering the event.

"I’m pretty happy. I'm just glad to help Steve (Hollander) out and promote the game.

"There was a lot of interest when the public had the chance to have a go gearing up a horse. They loved that but I think next time it needs to be held at a race-meeting so more licensed horsemen can get involved," Abernethy said.

"It would create a lot more publicity which has to be good for the game, but in saying that, it would be harder to win if there were a few more people in it. That is also good," he added.

The South Auckland trainer/driver/breeder/owner also thanked the sponsors even though he never made it to the prize-giving.

"I left early but will pick up the Gold Cup and prizes when I next race at Manawatu," Abernethy said.

Manawatu Harness Racing Secretary, John Doody said the first-ever Championship was run in association with ‘Interislander’.

"We had a lot of interest when the public were given the chance to gear up but we got five for the open sectional. We could have done with a few more. Jay was very fast and efficient. Well done to him.

"The title will be up for grabs again at future Shows," Doody said.

Abernethy’s trophy was named after one of our greatest mares. Blossom Lady, who was the 1992 New Zealand Trotting Cup (and winner of 43 races and $1.3 million in stakes, was co-owned by a past chairman of Harness Racing New Zealand and former Palmerston North resident, Ralph Kermode.

Games founder and trustee, Steve Hollander, said the Cup will be presented back to the Manawatu Harness Racing Club to reconfigure it as an enduring trophy for this event each year at the Games

He said the winner and two place-getters would also receive Interislander and Husqvarna prizes to a total value of $1,100, $600, and $450 respectively.

Hollander said fourth and fifth also received prizes from other Games sponsors.

Trackside presenter Jess Smith was MC at the event.

Duane Ranger