Equestrian: Chance to cement Spanish spots

By JULIE ASH

New Zealand's up-and-coming riders have the chance to secure a place in next year's World Equestrian Games in Spain at the international three-day event in Manukau this weekend.

New Zealand hold the individual and team world titles, but with the retirement of Mark Todd from international competition and Vaughn Jefferis without a horse since the retirement of Bounce, the door to the New Zealand team is wide open.

National selector Glen Beal said he hoped to select a squad after this weekend's event, which the selectors would narrow down to about four riders for the world event.

"To have a shot in the World Games, a lot of their horses have to go to Europe early in the New Year, so there is not a lot of time," he said.

"But there are also a number of Europe-based riders we are looking at."

New Zealand's strongest contenders in the three-star competition are Bryce Newman and Heelan Tompkins, who have both competed in four-star events, the highest-ranked, this year.

Other Kiwis to watch out for are last year's two-star champion, Tim Price, Catriona Williams, who has competed in Burghley and Badminton, and Gillian Meacham, who finished 11th in the Sydney Olympic test event in 1999.

The Auckland Airport Regency International three-day event involves competitors from New Zealand, Australia and Britain.

The dressage starts this afternoon and continues tomorrow, while the cross-country is on Saturday and the showjumping on Sunday.

The cross-country course was designed by Captain Mark Phillips, who is recognised as one of the leading designers in the sport.

A former international competitor and Badminton horse trials winner, he now trains the United States three-day team as well as designing courses around the world.

This year's event is an individual competition, but New Zealand will take on Australia in an unofficial teams event.

Event manager Susan Dower said organisers hoped to attract 30,000 spectators.

She said: "It is free to get in and there are a number of activities throughout the weekend such as a display from the Lord of the Rings horses, motocross and a dog show."