Equestrian: Nicolai still hoping to compete in France

Injury to his mount Bush Ranger and financial restrictions may force national one-day eventing champion Craig Nicolai to miss the World Cup meeting in France later in the year.

Nicolai qualified for the meeting, to be held in Po in October, before the recent national three-day event in Taupo.

Apart from a leg injury to Bush Ranger, Nicolai needs to find about $20,000 to cover expenses for the trip.

"I'd like to go to France but it will depend on how things work out," he said.

"The horse hurt his leg in the water-jump at Taupo and the vet is unsure how long it will take to heal.

"It seems fine now but we will have to wait and then work out a fitness programme for him to get ready for France.

"I can ride another horse over there but would prefer to take Bush Ranger."

Nicolai, from Rotorua, qualified for the World Cup with 60 points.

Meanwhile finances had also forced Ngakuru eventer Barbara Wallis to put on hold plans to ride in Europe this year.

Wallis, second in the one day event and sixth overall at Taupo on 11-year-old Tried n' True, said she had hoped to compete this year in England but had now delayed the trip for 12 months.

- DAILY POST (ROTORUA)