Equestrian: Taupo trial for Olmpics

by SUZANNE McFADDEN

Heelan Tompkins had the perfect start yesterday in her bid to make New Zealand's Olympic equestrian team, filling first and second place in the dressage at the national three-day event in Taupo.

Tompkins' second horse, Glengarrick, had the best score of the day, while her top mount, Arragato, was just four points behind.

Another local rider pushing for Olympic inclusion, Kirstin Kelly, was given medical clearance to ride yesterday with a broken collarbone, but was midfield on Baggy Hillis.

Her fitness will be reassessed before the cross-country.

Former world champion Vaughn Jefferis - an Olympic certainty - rode his back-up horse Curious George to sixth.

The New Zealand-based riders need strong performances this weekend to impress selectors looking for a team of seven.

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