Drama At Eventing World Cup

Drama At Eventing World Cup

< center> Clarke Johnston

There was drama a plenty at the New Zealand qualifier for the FEI Eventing World Cup at Kihikihi near Te Awamutu on Saturday.

Overnight leader Matthew Grayling from Taranaki lost his early dressage lead after falling at the exit of the water complex. Grayling aboard NRM Gordon were on track to claiming their fourth consecutive win of the title when NRM Gordon failed to clear the log propelling Grayling out of the saddle and almost certainly out of contention.

Otago's Clarke Johnston (Oakley Vision) and Auckland's Jenna Mahoney (Fasadi) were the only two combinations to jump clear on the challenging cross country course. The water complex and the Winnie the Pooh area caused the most trouble, with none of the combinations choosing the direct route over the two stump houses after the drop jump.

Johnston takes the lead into Sunday's show-jumping finale with three rails in hand ahead of Mahoney. Waikato's Lucy Jackson (Red Stag Mystery Creek) lies in thrid position.

The show-jumping finale starts at 10:30am and includes additional entertainment including a Classic Car Picnic and a live performance from Gerry Merito.

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