Equestrian: Johnstone secures Taupo three-day title

Clarke Johnstone leaves for Britain this week to begin his campaign for Olympic inclusion. Photo / Christine Cornege

Clarke Johnstone underlined his bid for inclusion in the New Zealand equestrian team at next year's London Olympics when he secured the national three-day title in Taupo today.

Johnstone took first and second in the event with KS Secrets and Incognito respectively, with Bryce Newman a well-beaten third on Bates Trademark.

Johnstone leaves for Britain on Wednesday with his horses to begin his campaign for Olympic inclusion.

Johnstone led from the start with KS Secrets, scoring 46.4 dressage penalties, and was the only rider to jump clear cross-country rounds inside the time with both Secrets and Incognito.

This gave him the two top spots with a comfortable buffer going into today's showjumping, and although both horses dropped a rail, the win was never in doubt.

Newman went clear across country with 4.8 time penalties, and showjumped clear.

South Islander Larissa Srhoy and Starburst, the current young rider three-day event champions, were fourth, with Heelan Tompkins fifth on Major Difference.

The South Island team of Johnstone on Incognito, Srhoy, and Jury won the inter-island team competition with a total of 195.8 penalties to the North Island team's 206.2.

Results: C Johnstone (KS Secrets) 51.4 1, Johnstone (Incognito) 59.2 2, B Newman (Bates Trademark) 62.3 3, L Srhoy (Starburst) 65.7 4, H Tompkins (Major Difference) 69.3 5.

- NZPA