Clarke Johnstone. Photo / Getty Images
Fast-rising equestrian talent Clarke Johnstone is poised to become the first New Zealander to win the prestigious World Cup eventing title in France this weekend.
The Waikato rider, on his impressive 13-year-old Orient Express, leads the three-star series going into the seventh and final event, Le Grand Complet, at Le
Pin au Haras in Normandy starting tomorrow. He would be the first New Zealander to win the title.
Johnstone has 118 points, a 10-point cushion over Australian Chris Burton, after winning both the events at Kihikihi in April and Sydney a month later.
Johnstone also took third in Sydney and, in a competition where riders count their best three scores, that has him well placed to pocket the €30,000 ($51,730) first prize.
The combination with Orient Express was part of New Zealand's bronze medal-winning team at last year's world championships in Kentucky. He is a strong chance to be part of what should be a formidable New Zealand team at next year's London Olympics.
