Equestrian: NZ team holding on at Badminton

There were mixed fortunes for New Zealand riders during the endurance phase at the Badminton horse trials in England yesterday.

But there was also some consolation as six of the New Zealand entries prepared to enter the final day inside the 20.

Three of four riders competing in the prized three-day event for the first time put on faultless displays to press their case for consideration to represent New Zealand at the World Equestrian Games in Spain in September.

British rider Pippa Funnell, on Supreme Rock, led the standings after incurring only 5.2 time penalties to hold pole position on 36.81 going into the showjumping today.

Australian Olympian Andrew Hoy, on Darien Powers, finished clear inside the time with an immaculate display of jumping to be second on 37.61.

Another Briton, William Fox-Pitt, was third on 41.81 after bringing Tamarillo home clear under time to improve from sixth.

The best-placed New Zealander was Blyth Tait, on Welton Envoy, who slipped from fourth to sixth after a clear round which saw him incur 6.8 time penalties to be on 46.40.

Tait said after his test he was "thrilled to bits" with Welton Envoy.

Andrew Nicholson and New York were in seventh place on 47.81 and Nicholson and his second ride Mr Smiffy were 14th on 53.

Kate Lambie, on Nufarm Alibi (49, 10th), Matthew Grayling, on Revo (51.61, 13th), and Heelan Tompkins, on Classic Hits Crusada (57, 16th) all exceeded expectations in ther Badminton debuts.

Lambie moved up five places to lie 10th, while Grayling slipped four places to 13th and Tompkins was 16th, an improvement of eight places overnight.

New Zealand trainer Mark Todd said Lambie, Grayling and Tompkins had "gone better than could be expected."

It was revealed at the weekend that the Australians had approached Todd to coach their riders during the Adelaide event in November, but his services had already been secured by New Zealand.

- NZPA