Equestrian: Historic win in rider's sights

Clarke Johnstone. Photo / Getty Images

Fast-rising equestrian talent Clarke Johnstone is poised to become the first New Zealander to win the prestigious World Cup eventing title in France this weekend.

The Waikato rider, on his impressive 13-year-old Orient Express, leads the three-star series going into the seventh and final event, Le Grand Complet, at Le Pin au Haras in Normandy starting tomorrow. He would be the first New Zealander to win the title.

Johnstone has 118 points, a 10-point cushion over Australian Chris Burton, after winning both the events at Kihikihi in April and Sydney a month later.

Johnstone also took third in Sydney and, in a competition where riders count their best three scores, that has him well placed to pocket the €30,000 ($51,730) first prize.

The combination with Orient Express was part of New Zealand's bronze medal-winning team at last year's world championships in Kentucky. He is a strong chance to be part of what should be a formidable New Zealand team at next year's London Olympics.

"He is looking and feeling amazing," Johnstone said of his horse.

Equestrian Sport New Zealand high performance director Sarah Harris is impressed by Johnstone's development.

"A win in this series will firmly cement him on the world stage as we count down to the London Olympics," she said.

Johnstone moved to his Gloucestershire base in England this year to step up his Games campaign.

The only other New Zealander competing in France will be double Olympic champion Mark Todd aboard NZB Campino.

The event starts with dressage tomorrow night, followed by cross country on Saturday night and ending with the show-jumping phase on Sunday night.

Points going into the final: Clarke Johnstone 118 points 1, Chris Burton (Australia) 108 2, Alisaksandr Faminou (Belarus) 92 3, Michael Jung (Germany) 79 4, Shane Rose (Australia) 70 5.