‘Big job ahead now’

BOUND FOR THE GAMES: New Zealand showjumpers have qualifed a team for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. They are (from left): Samantha McIntosh, Tom Tarver, Daniel Meech and Bruce Goodin. Picture by Libby Law Photography

EQUESTRIAN

New Zealand showjumpers have qualified a team for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games after a hard-fought victory at the FEI Group G Qualifier in Valkenswaard, The Netherlands.

The only clear rounds inside the time allowed over the two rounds came from Kiwi riders Tom Tarver aboard Popeye and Samantha McIntosh on the very dependable Check In 2.

New Zealand led at the end of the first round with four fault rounds from Bruce Goodin aboard Backatorps Danny V and Samantha McIntosh on Check In 2, and five faults from Daniel Meech with Fine. Tom Tarver’s 12 round effort with Popeye became the drop score.

In the second, Goodin had a single rail with clean slates from Tarver and McIntosh.

With the win in the bag, Meech did not need to jump the final round.

Chef d’equipe and trainer Helena Stormanns was very pleased with the efforts of the four riders.

“Tom was fantastic in that second round, Samantha brilliant, Bruce’s horse jumped great . . . it was absolutely spot on,” said Stormanns.

The riders were buzzing too.

McIntosh said she was rapt with the team’s result in heading home riders from the People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong, Chinese Taipei, the Republic of Korea and the Philippines.

“It was a great team and we all did fantastic rounds. Today we brought home the back but now the big job is ahead of us — let’s go Tokyo!”

Those sentiments were reiterated by Meech.

“I am really proud of my team mates,” he said.

Goodin tipped his cap to the newcomer in the team, Tom Tarver, who had only headed to Europe in the past few months.

“It’s a great day,” he said.

“I am so proud of the team, especially Tom — what a legend.”

New Zealand had to finish in the top two placings to secure the Tokyo berth.

Results — New Zealand 17 faults 1, The People’s Republic of China 47 faults 2, Hong Kong 58 faults 3, Chinese Taipei 62 faults 4.