Equestrian: First Kiwi horses in Sydney

SYDNEY - The first three New Zealand horses to make the flight from Europe for the Sydney Olympic equestrian events were yesterday in fine condition, games organiser Socog said.

Two of Blyth Tait's mounts in the three-day event, Ready Teddy and Aspyring, and Bruce Goodin's Showjumper, Lenaro, were among 45 horses on the flight from Frankfurt. Tait and Ready Teddy are the defending Olympic champions.

All horses will remain in quarantine at the Olympic Games equestrian venue at Horsley Park until September 8.

A total of 237 horses will arrive on Socog flights this week. They will include New Zealand's other European-based eventers - Mark Todd's two mounts, Diamond Hall Red and Eye Spy, Andrew Nicholson's two horses (identity not yet confirmed); and Tait's Welton Envoy.

Also on board will be New Zealander Peter Breakwell's showjumper, Leonson.

- NZPA

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