Equestrian: Australian riders set the pace

Australians completed the quinella in the opening dressage phase of the national three-day event at Taupo yesterday, but both of New Zealand's Olympic hopefuls remained well in touch.

Shane Rose produced a polished test with experienced European campaigner Beauford Miss Dior to collect just 46.6 penalties and shade fellow Australian Catherine Davies on Queens Ranson, who managed 47.

Taranaki's Matthew Grayling was last to ride and had the crowd on its feet after he scored 47.2 for third aboard his Athens contender Revo.

It was a top effort by Grayling, who was also in fifth place on his other ride, Klinsman.

New Zealand's other long-listed rider, Bryce Newman of Bulls, was sixth on Bates Inishturk, with 52.2 penalties.

- NZPA