It’s been another stellar day for the Kiwis at the Millstreet International Horse Trials in Ireland where New Zealand has held on to the lead in the CCIO4*-NC-S and world no.1 Tim Price heads the pack.

Tim and Falco remain on their 24.6 penalty point dressage tally with just the cross country to come. “I am very happy with Falco,” said Tim. “He is showing his experience and class now. It was a great jumping round today. I am very proud of the whole team in the Nations Cup. We want to go out tomorrow and have a good fast round and show a clean set of heels and do a good job.” Samantha Lissington and Ricker Ridge Sooty GNZ added .4 time in the showjumping for 30.7 penalty points in seventh spot, while Clarke Johnstone and Menlo Park remain on their 31.1 dressage score for ninth, and Jonelle with McClaren is in 11th on 32.1 after adding nothing in the showjumping.

ESNZ high performance general manager Jock Paget said it had been a good day for the Kiwis. “It’s great to be in the lead going into the cross country in the Nations Cup,” he said. “The course is good and the time will be really tight. It was good to get four clears for the team in the showjumping today.” He praised the four riders who had ridden well and to plan. Tim is also in 13th aboard Happy Boy on their dressage score of 33, with Jonelle and Senor Crocodillo all clear on 34.3 in 17th, and Tim aboard Jarillo taking a single rail for 35.3.

The team sits on 86.4 with The Netherlands in second on 98.5 and Belgium in third on 100.4.

Muzi Pottinger and Good Timing added just .8 time in the cross country in the CCI4*-L to finish the day on 34.5 penalty points in fourth spot. Gemma Stevens (GBR) and Flash Cooley lead the 30-strong field on 29.1. Both Ginny Thomasen aboard Capitaine de Hus Z and Samantha Lissington with Lord Seekonig added time penalties to sit on 47.6 and 49.2 respectively.

In the CCIO3*-L both Clarke Johnstone with Sparky Lad and Nick Brooks on Lucky Jo Jo added only time penalties in the cross country to finish the day on 38.8 and 38.9 respectively in the 19-strong class which is being led by Shenae Lowings (AUS) aboard Bold Venture on 24.9.

Samantha Lissington has added to her trophy cabinet with victory in the 33-strong CCI2*-L aboard Quantas R, after leading from the get-go and finishing on 27.9 penalty points. The Kiwi combo added just 1.6 time in the cross country to their near perfect tally. “Quantas jumped amazingly under pressure to take the win,” said Samantha. The event continues this evening.

For full results, head to https://www.rechenstelle.de/en/agenda/2023/millstreet/

By Diana Dobson
Photos Libby Law ESNZ and Pam Cunningham