Equestrian: NZ riders struggle for form in Spain

JEREZ - Medals look like evading New Zealand, defending double gold and individual silver, at the world equestrian games in Jerez, Spain.

The team of Andrew Nicholson (Fenecio), Dan Jocelyn (Silence) and Heelan Tompkins (Classic Hits Crusada) were fifth overnight, going into the final day showjumping, on a total of 197.80.

The placing comes after team captain Blyth Tait, a gold medallist in Rome four years ago on Ready Teddy, fell in the second water complex during the cross-country run.



The United States lead the teams event, with John Williams on Carrick also taking the individual lead with a masterly clear round for only 2.80 time penalties. No competitor finished inside the time.

Despite team veteran Andrew Hoy being taken to hospital with concussion and leg injuries, the Australians are lying second and the French third.

Great Britain are fourth. They and the Americans have four riders and horses still running while Australia and New Zealand have only three.

Dan Jocelyn on Silence had gone out as pathfinder, determined to come back clear and with information for the other four riders.

Jocelyn finished clear in 11m 48s, with just 4.40 time penalties and a total score of 57.80 to move up to 10th.

Andrew Nicholson's stirrup iron snapped as he jumped the bounce in the first water complex and he rode the rest of the round without its support. He still came home clear, albeit with 10 time faults, to finish 12th.

The third team member, Tompkins and Classic Hits Crusada, picked up 2.4 time penalties on the steeplechase and a further 32.40 on the cross-country, moving from 36th to 24th.

New Zealand's individual competitor, Kate Lambie on Nufarm Alibi, incurred a technical refusal at the second part of a hedge and ditch combination, leaving her in 23rd position on 76 penalties.

- NZPA