Equestrian: Jumpers leave Aussies in shade

New Zealand beat Australia in the first of two showjumping tests in Sydney.

In addition, Simon Wilson and Vitapower Swinger won the World Cup qualifier competition run in conjunction with the test.

"You could say we have slaughtered them," said New Zealand captain John Cottle.

"We are just thrilled with the team win and then for Simon to go on and win the World Cup round- it's fantastic. I couldn't be happier with the team."

The teams were tied on four faults going into the second day of competition.

Up first for New Zealand was 30-year-old Clare Wilson, Simon Wilson's wife, riding Vitapower Answer Back. The combination dropped two rails for eight penalties.

Next into the ring were Simon Wilson and Vitapower Swinger, who set the winning scene with a faultless round.

Robert Steele and Gospel followed suit to give the New Zealanders their second clean round.

Cottle and his World Cup-qualifying mount Telegraph were not quite so fortunate, taking what Cottle says was an unlucky rail to finish with four penalties, leaving New Zealand to finish with a team score of four.

The Australians also finished on four, taking the competition to a jump-off.

Cottle and Telegraph were selected to ride the jump-off and, following Australian Paula Hamood on NV Capone, had to go faultless and in a faster time than 48.20.

Cottle and Telegraph rode through the finish flags clear, shaving 6.8 seconds off Hamood's time to give New Zealand the test win.

"It was just such a great competition. It was tough - neck-and-neck all the way both days," Cottle said.

"We were very pleased to get that win."

Wilson and Vitapower Swinger continued their consistent form to win the World Cup round.

The 32-year-old farmer from Waipukurau is the current New Zealand horse of the year title holder.

Steele and Gospel continued their clean record, with the Hawera dairy farmer finishing fifth in the World Cup competition.

Cottle and Telegraph picked up four faults, with Clare Wilson and Vitapower Answer Back stuck on yet another eight fault finish.

The second test is next weekend, also in Sydney.

- NZPA