Delphi And Mcvean Star For NZ

Delphi And Mcvean Star For NZ In Opening Showjumping At World Games

by Diana Dobson

Katie McVean and Dunstan Delphi have shown they can foot it with the best this afternoon, with a brilliant clear round in the speed class at the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky.

The combination from Mystery Creek were the last of the New Zealand showjumpers to go, in a field of 121, and finished in 17th position.

The course has proved a challenge for some of the world's best today, but McVean and Delphi were all class in the main arena, that was packed with thousands of spectators.

Ahead of her team-mates Samantha McIntosh on Loxley 38 had an unfortunate rail, while Guy Thomas on Peterbilt and Maurice Beatson on Apollo van Evendael had rather fault-filled rounds – Thomas on 96.64 and Beatson on 117.49.

The speed round sees faults turned into time, so the pressure is truly from the moment the start bell rings.

McVean was delighted with her nine-year-old mare's efforts that saw them finish in 77.75 seconds – the winner took the class in 71.25 so it was very close for the top placings.

“I don't think I have even been so nervous in my life,” she said. “I'm still shaking – but she was just brilliant.”

And it was an ideal way for the two to get their World Games underway.

“It's a perfect start for sure. Last night she was a little hot but jumped well – she's good when she's like that...really focused and ready to go.”

McIntosh, who despite having ridden in five European Championships, two World Games and one Olympics is on debut for New Zealand, was also happy with her horse today who finished in 82.1 seconds.

“He's no speed horse, and classes like that are the most challenging for him, but he is feeling the best he possibly could.”

Their rail at the Liverpool, just three fences before home, was a bit unlucky.
“He can be like that when he is fresh like that – a little unruly.”

But the horse is in perfect condition and McIntosh has no doubt he'll continue to step up as the fences get bigger and wider. Today's widest were 1.8m with the highest 1.53m.

“It is just awesome to be riding for New Zealand.”

Showjumping chef d'equipe Richard Sunderland was pleased with the efforts of his team – particularly the two women.

“It's fantastic – especially for Katie and Delphi.”

Maurice Beatson (Dannevirke) and Apollo van Evendael (owned by Trudi Biggar) paid the price for an unfortunate slip on the tarmac on the way back from the trot-up yesterday (Sunday, US time).

For Beatson, who last rode at world games in 1994, it was heart-breaking.

“He skinned himself pretty badly and cut his leg – it was touch and go as to whether he would even be ok to start this morning,” he said.

Apollo has been plenty of physio and herbal treatment.

“He improved a lot over night but he wasn't an easy ride out there because he was just not maneuverable and was lacking in energy. The timing couldn't be worse,” he says.

“It is heart-breaking for this to happen now. He's not put a foot wrong all the time we have been here (in the US) and he's a brave horse to be out there and giving it a go – I guess we just won't know how well he could have gone in this speed class.”

Treatment is continuing on him and Beatson is hopeful he'll be coming back to normal in time to start tomorrow for the first of the teams' classes.

California based Kiwi Thomas and his stunning stallion Peterbilt have been hindered by injury. The horse had an abscess and has not had the most ideal build-up to the games, however, his team are confident he'll be back on track now that he's had a look at the main arena.

The class was won by Mario Deslauriers (USA) on Urico in 71.25, with the legendary McLain Ward (USA) and Sapphire second in 71.79 and Sandor Szasz on Moosbachhofs Goldwing-Hann third. The host nation headed the teams home with Germany second and France third. The Kiwis are in 20th spot.

The showjumping has attracted 121 riders from 41 countries. They all competed in the speed class today, with the tomorrow is the qualifier for the teams event with the Nations Cup class continuing on Wednesday.

The New Zealand team is still riding a high after yesterday's bronze medal-winning performances by the eventing team and individual Andrew Nicholson.

The games continue to attract huge numbers of spectators, with nearly 28,000 people at the Kentucky Horse Park yesterday for the conclusion of the eventing.

The games run through until October 10.

ends

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