Equestrian: Weather suits Australians

By JULIE ASH

The Australians got off to the best possible start on the first day of the international three-day event at Manukau's Puhinui Reserve.

The wet weather put a damper on yesterday's competition, but did not stop the Australians from taking the lead over the Kiwis. Christine Bates of New South Wales is in front after recording 39.20 on Masterprint in the three star dressage phase. Bates won a two star event in Sydney a year before the Olympics and has since secured several three star wins. This is her first visit to Puhinui.

Another New South Welshman Tim Boland lies second with Kanandah Alchemy on 48.40 points. Brookby's Kate Lambie is sitting third with 49 points on Alibi, narrowly ahead of Te Kauwhata's Donna Smith with LA Connection on 50 points.

In the two star competition, New Zealanders are lying 1-2-3. Sarah Broughton leads with Money Train, from Jenna Mahoney on Satori and Shane Robertson is third with Second Nature.

With places in next year's world games in Spain up for grabs there are plenty of incentives for the New Zealand riders to pick up the pace in the remaining two days.

New Zealand hold the individual and team world titles, but with the retirement of Mark Todd from international competition and Vaughn Jefferis without a horse since the retirement of Bounce, the door to the New Zealand team is wide open.

The Auckland Airport Regency-sponsored event involves competitors from New Zealand, Australia and Britain. The competition continues today with the cross-country which is followed by the showjumping tomorrow.