Equestrian: NZ make strong start to dressage phase

New Zealand have made an encouraging start to the dressage phase of the World Equestrian Games eventing competition in Normandy.

Tim Price and his mount Wesko sit fourth after the first 46 of the 91-strong field completed their tests, while Mark Todd on Leonidas II is 12th.

Price had a score of 42.0 and Todd 49.2. They trail the early leader, William Fox-Pitt of Britain, riding Chillli Morning, who put up a 37.0 point performance.

Germans Michael Jung and Ingrid Klimke, riding Fishcerrocana FST and Escada respectively, sit second and third on 40.7 and 41.2 points.

The other two members of the New Zealand team, Jock Paget and Andrew Nicholson, ride tomorrow, as do the individual representatives, Lucy Jackson and Jonelle Price. New Zealand won't know precisely where they're sitting until Nicholson's test on Nereo, which is second last of the 45 to run tomorrow to complete the dressage leg.

Britain have the early advantage in the teams event, with Germany sitting second and New Zealand third, but with plenty of competition still to run.

The event will finish early on Monday (NZT) with the showjumping.

Para-dressage rider, Anthea Dixon of Canterbury finished seventh on Doncartier in their first ride of the Games, competing in the teams event. They produced a 67.971 per cent test in the grade II event. Britain's Natasha Baker on Cabral was first with a 73.647 percent test.

MORE TO COME