Equestrian: Wilson ends on a disappointing note

Disappointed he could not reproduce recent good form, New Zealand's Grant Wilson was eliminated from the showjumping competition at the world equestrian games in Aachen, Germany, today.

The Belgium-based Wilson's nine-year-old black stallion Up And Down never settled and had two refusals within the first four fences on the intimidating jumping course today, resulting in automatic elimination.

"It is disappointing, especially when just four weeks ago he (Up And Down) was sixth in the five star Grand Prix event in Spain," Wilson said.

"Coming here, there was not a lot of difference in height but as soon as we got in the ring, he just felt like he didn't want to go."

Making his New Zealand debut at Aachen, Wilson, originally from Waikato, said he felt quite confident coming into the event but both he and his young horse were light on big show experience.

"This arena is different from most showgrounds and we haven't done a lot of grand prix events. Still being a young horse, he needed a little bit of luck on his side to help him today."

With the horse not comfortable, Wilson has opted out of tomorrow's final round of showjumping to complete New Zealand's participation at the games.

- NZPA