Equestrian: NZ stay in contention for eventing medal

The New Zealand eventing team, led by Andrew Nicholson, withstood mounting pressure at the world equestrian games in Kentucky yesterday to remain in contention for a podium finish after the cross-country phase.

Anchor man Nicholson and Nereo delivered a strong performance to pull the team up into fourth place overall and himself into fifth on the individual standings.

It looked picture-perfect in every way as he guided 10-year-old Nereo effortlessly around the 6400m course.

"It all went exactly as we planned after walking the course," said Nicholson.

Jonathan Paget (Muriwai) and Clifton Promise rode the round of their lives to finish in 11th place overall on 46.4 in the individual field.

His efforts drew plenty of praise from equestrian maestro Mark Todd, who has been coaching the promising young rider. "It was a truly fantastic effort," said Todd.

Paget put much of his success back on Todd, Nicholson and eventing chef d'equipe and coach Erik Duvander.

"They've been so helpful to me, and you only need to look at the improvement from when I rode here alone in April, and now."

Paget thoroughly enjoyed riding the big and challenging course.

"It was just amazing," he said. "It has to be the smoothest ride of my life."

Todd was also very pleased with his horse NZB Grass Valley, who finished the day 16th overall with 50.1 penalty points. "He was brilliant all the way."

The only change he made was three obstacles from home when he felt Grass Valley was a little tired so he went for the safe option.

On the team front, Todd said everyone had done just as they were asked.

"Clarke (Johnstone) was a little unlucky having that stop at 24 (five from home), but Orient Express was tired."

And Caroline Powell and Mac MacDonald had been extremely solid with their clean and clear finish.

Duvander was a very happy man, describing Todd as a genius, Powell just amazing throughout her "rock and roll all the way" ride, Paget, a great up and coming talent, Nicholson brilliant and Johnstone unlucky.

"It was a real team effort and everyone was out there sticking to the plan and doing their bit."

Britain lead the teams, sitting on 139.4 from their best three, with hosts United States second on 143.3, Canada third on 147.5 and New Zealand on 150.8.

Germany are a distant fifth on 192.7.

Overnight dressage leader Michael Jung (Germany) on La Biosthetique-Sam FBW added nothing to his score after a pristine effort over the cross-country course, so leads on 33 heading into the final phase.

William Fox-Pitt (Great Britain) on Cool Mountain is sitting second on 42, Rebecca Holder (United States) on Courageous Comet third on 42.5, Ingrid Klimke (Germany) on FRH Butts Abraxxas in fourth on 42.9 and Nicholson on 43.5.

With a rail costing four faults, the individual gold is most definitely up for grabs, while the team is a little tougher.

Of the 79 combinations who started the cross country, 17 were eliminated and two retired. All left in the field will face a trot-up this morning, before being allowed to continue.

- NZPA