Mark Todd and NZB Gandalf easily achieved the benchline score in the dressage phase at the Puhinui Three Day Event yesterday but they were not the top scorers in the first phase of the competition.
Eventing squad member Emily Butcher on Southern Ben achieved that with 46.5 penalties.However, Southern Ben flies out to England tomorrow to further his Olympic campaign so will not take any further part in the event.
His 48.9 left Todd well inside the 75 penalties which are the qualifying mark for this stage of his return to international competition.
The test from the pair was workmanlike, but Todd said afterwards that he has plenty to work on when he and the horse return home to Canterbury. Meantime, the focus is on the cross-country phase.
"I was really happy with him - we've been on the road since we left home a month ago and it's been one competition after another, so we haven't had time to iron out any kinks."
At this stage, NZB Gandalf is tentatively booked to fly out of New Zealand to Britain in mid-April, depending on the final result this weekend and whether Todd then considers the pursuit of his campaign to gain Olympic selection a "go".
