Johnstone in Sizzling Form at Puhinui International 3 Day Event

The hot favourite has delivered on expectations. Clarke Johnstone has not just hit the lead in the Honda New Zealand CCI***, but has done a personal best score with his white horse, Balmoral Sensation.

Johnstone has a 4.4 lead from Taranaki’s Matthew Grayling on NRM Lowenberg. Donna Smith with her experienced Tangalooma is in third place, another 3.2 penalties behind Grayling. Other riders, including Canterbury women Annabel Wigley and Emily Cammock, Englishman Nick Gauntlett are only a few points behind.

Johnstone was thrilled with his horse. “He was really focused and calm, he’s a beautiful horse. It was the best test I have had from him yet.”

The challenging cross country will be a real test. All of the riders are very wary of the Tich Massey designed course. Johnstone describes it as a fair test. “Im really looking forward to getting out there and doing it. It should suit my horse well.”

In the Cato Packaging CCI**, Olympic Gold Medalist Blyth Tait with his horse Leo Distinction has been pipped by the young Amanda Pottinger with Achilles, but only by 2.1. Local Christen Hayde is in third with her horse Kinnordy Galilee.

The cross country gets underway at 9 am tomorrow with the Honda New Zealand CCI*** class expected to start at 12:15.

Full results are:

Honda New Zealand CCI***
Clarke Johnstone, Balmoral Sensation - 39
Matthew Grayling, NRM Lowenberg - 43.4
Donna Smith, Tangalooma - 46.6
Annabel Wigley, Leo Degas - 48.4
Emily Cammock, Dambala - 48.8
Nick Gauntlett, El Grado - 50

Cato Packaging CCI**
Amanda Pottinger, Achilles II - 45.8
Leo Distinction, Blyth Tait
Christen Hayde, Kinnordy Gallilee - 50

Honda New Zealand CCI** Young Rider
Madison Crowe, Brogan - 51.0
Sarah Young, SS Galaxy - 58.3
Sophie Abbott, Time to Tango Too - 58.8

Veterinary Associates CCI*
Aleisha Collett, Mi Focus - 53.4
Ashleigh Mckinstry, Ngahiwi Makem - 53.7
Donna Smith, SE Godswalk - 54.4

DEVI Heating Systems CCI* Junior Rider
Abigail Long, BMW Advokaat - 57.5
Jackson Bovill, Visionnaire - 61.2
Zoe Ander, Waitangi Slingshot - 61.6

Horse & Pony CCN105
Jessica Woods, LV Elf - 26.7
Janine Hayde, Brentwood Toi Toi - 28
Stephanie Vervoort, X Factor - 28.9

ENDS