New Zealand’s jumpers Sophie Scott and Luke Dee may not be progressing to the next round of the 2026 FEI World Championships but there is nothing but pride in how they rode. The two were in the top 60 riders competing tonight in the second qualifier – third round – of the individual competition. The weather was much cooler, with showers, black clouds and thunder skirting around the edges of the champs.

Sophie and Normandy GHP were first out for the Kiwis and had two down to finish on 12.37 penalty points in 44th place. “I am disappointed in myself really that I let him down on the last line because he deserved a clear round . . . but he was just incredible the whole way round,” she said.

“He has been an absolute superstar the whole week and to jump two clear rounds the last couple of days is just a dream come true. I am very proud and so happy to have my whole team here to support me. It has been an amazing week. It was just a bit of a sack the jockey moment down the last line but he was incredible.”

Luke Dee and Gangster WW followed and while they started strongly, ended up with four rails down and five time penalties for a final accumulative score of 23.03 penalty points. “He warmed up fantastic and started off jumping very well,” said Luke. “Very uncharacteristic of him to have four rails down and not feel good the second half. We will take him back and make sure he is all ok, then regroup and go from there.”

Gangster absolutely owned the water jump. “He is very good water jumper. I know I will never have a foot in the water but it doesn’t really matter when you have four down.” It was bittersweet to have two fantastic rounds and yet fall short tonight. “He really felt like we could have done the last two rounds and been right at the top but unfortunately that is the sport for you.”

Both riders were appreciative of the incredible support from home. “I know us riders feel everyone back home riding us and know everyone up watching. It is very special to have all that support,” said Luke.

Chef d’equipe Tom Tarver said everyone can be “super proud” of the efforts of both Luke and Sophie. “I have watched Sophie this week and to think she just came out of New Zealand a few months ago and be credible on the world stage shows she is one for the future,” said Tom. “She is a real talent who applies herself to everything. She has won a lot of fans here and certainly my respect.”

It had been a rough night for Luke. “That was a real shame because it was just so uncharacteristic from that horse. Maybe he stunned himself a bit at the water – and to have three on the trot is just not normal.”

Tom extended a huge thanks to those who had been the team behind the scenes for both riders, including vet Charlotte Edda.

The team’s final placing of 18th equals New Zealand’s previous best, which was at Tryon in 2018. There will be another chance to qualify a team for the LA Olympic Games in mid-2027 in Europe.

Individual standings – the top 25 will now progress to Sunday’s finale.
🥇1= Steve Guerdat 🇨🇭 Dynamix de Belheme .86 penalty points
🥇1= Daniel Deusser 🇩🇪 Otello de Guildenboom .96 penalty points
🥉3 Ben Maher 🇬🇧 Point Break 1.01 penalty points
🌿33rd tonight and 44th overall Sophie Scott 🇳🇿 Normandy GHP 12.37 penalty points
🌿51st Luke Dee 🇳🇿 Gangster WW 23.03 penalty points

Team result
🥇 Germany 4.48 penalty points
🥈 Belgium 11.69 penalty points
🥉 Great Britain 12.98 penalty points

CLICK HERE FOR FULL RESULTS

By Diana Dobson – HP Media Liaison
Photos by Libby Law/ESNZ