Equestrian: Australians off to good start in trophy defence

Australia held the lead at the end of the first phase of the Trans Tasman Trophy challenge at the national equestrian centre in Taupo yesterday.

The second day of the national three-day event championships was devoted to dressage, with the focus on the major title, the three-star test.

Australia, endeavouring to hold on to the teams trophy they won for the first time in 2001, ended the day on 138.6 points, compared to New Zealand's 163.6.

Palmerston North rider Bryce Newman, on Dunstan Inishturk, was the individual leader - and he is not even on the New Zealand team.

Newman and his horse looked thoroughly prepared to finish on a score of 45.2.

He was marginally ahead of Australia's Will Enzinger on Ace II, who produced a sparkling performance for 46.

The best the New Zealand team could do was the 52.4 from Feilding's Andrew Scott, who was seventh on Mitavite Clifton Say What.

- NZPA