Equestrian: Last chance to make World Games team

The national three-day event championship starting in Taupo tomorrow is the last chance for New Zealand-based riders hoping to appear at the World Equestrian Games in Germany.

Three riders in particular will command the selectors' attention before they choose a six-strong New Zealand team for the games in August.

Defending champion Matthew Grayling will start as the favourite but w remains unqualified for Germany after difficulties in the cross-country discipline at the Puhinui event in December.

Taupo represents a last chance for the 2004 Olympian, riding Gordon, to make the cut.

Heelan Tompkins is already qualified for Germany with Prince of Princes, a back-up mount to her veteran Glengarrick, but the combination have completed only one significant event since the horse arrived from Australia last year.

The third and most intriguing challenge comes from former Te Awamutu rider Blair Richardson, now based in Australia.

Richardson has brought a new mount, Maximum Overkill, with him in an effort to impress the selectors.

He has the luxury of a further chance to qualify at Werribee next month.

"We're looking for serious performances at Taupo," said chairman of selectors Mary Darby.

The selectors are committed to naming their Games team (four in the team and two individuals) towards the end of next month, after the final European qualifying competition.

Veteran international Andrew Nicholson heads the British-based contenders.

- NZPA