Source:  News Release/thehorseevent.co.nz

New Zealander claims FEI World Cup Eventing title at Kihikihi 

Clarke Johnstone delivered a clear show-jumping round under intense pressure to win the first FEI World Cup Event at Kihikihi (New Zealand) today. 

Even though Johnstone went into the ring with a rail in hand, course-designer Gerrit Beker had set a tough technical challenge for the final phase which left no room for complacency. But Johnstone looked calm and confident aboard Orient Express, and the combination produced a polished round to finish the competition on their dressage score of 45.7 penalties.

Clarke Johnstone and Orient Express by Libby Law Photography.

Australian Chris Burton and the impressive Holstein Park Leilani dropped a rail with 1 time penalty to complete on a final score of 50.9 penalties in 2nd place.

Johnstone produced another clear round with 1 time penalty on his younger horse Incognito to also take 3rd place (53.2 penalties).

Australian Shane Rose and Taurus dropped into 4th place after lowering a rail to finish the competition on a score of 54.7 penalties.

Fifth place went to South Island rider Brent Jury and SE Big (74.5 penalties) and 6th place to Auckland-based Simon Gordon and Fletch.com (75.1 penalties). 

The FEI World Cup Eventing series which takes place in eight venues around the world now moves to Sydney (6-8 May).