Shane Rose and Taurus at the splash, photo Libby Law
There is no doubt remaining that John Nicolson's Kihikihi cross country course was relentless, quite unforgiving and produced a result. Team Australia led out with their most experienced horse Nat Blundell's Algebra. Their round was faultless apart from a glance off at the birch corner at fence four. Nat finished with 20 XC and 14.8 time to end up in fourth place with 88.8 penalties.
Natalie Blundell and Algebra approaching the splash, photo Libby Law
The Kiwi's first rider out was Christen Hayde who also picked up 20 on the corner at four, and an extra 25.2 in time, Christen finishes XC day on 114.4 in 9th place.
The next team rider out was Christine Bates who had a fall at the first element of fence three. Apparently Delago left a front leg and fell on landing, Christine landed face down on the big drop. Christine was treated on site and sent to hospital for further tests, they believe she is suffering from a concussion. I spoke with team Chef Prue Barrett and will provide a further update when they are available.
After the hold on course the next Kiwi team rider Simon Gordon on Simply Mitch went out on course and then after a stop at 10 and 19 had a fall at fence 21, both horse and rider were unhurt although I am pretty sure that Simon's ego was a little bruised looking at the photo below.
Simon Gordon apologising to Simply Mitch after their miss at the splash, photo Libby Law
Aussie rider Katja Weimann had a sticky moment at the D element of fence 10, and after that Katja put on her game face on to come home strong with the 5th fastest time on course. Katja was one of a select few that successfully attempted the corner at fence four. Katja finished in 8th position on 98.2 with BP Gallantry.
Kiwi Joseph Waldron on his stunning black horse Springvale All Black moved up to 2nd place with a super round adding only 8.4 time penalties to his dressage score finishing on 70.2.
Joseph Waldron and Springvale All Black, photo Libby Law
The final Aussie on course was cross country machine Shane Rose on his Olympic hopeful horse Taurus. Shane had a look at the corner at four before deciding to go the long route and avoid the 20 before blitzing the rest of the course. Shane was fastest on course with only 5.2 time penalties. I saw him through the latter stages of the course and he looked to be in complete control of managing every metre of the track.
The final Kiwi team member out was Annabel Wigley on NRM Enzo who picked up a 20 with a run out at the C element of fence 5 and then completed the remaining course in the third fastest time on course.
So at the end of cross country day we are left with three combinations each in the two national teams and Australia ahead on 239.8 penalties and New Zealand on 281.2. The Kiwi team is doing brilliantly given the respective differences in experience on the two teams, Australia clearly has a more senior team at this event.
Special mention must go to Donna Smith who had the only other clear round of the day and sits in third place despite not being on the Kiwi team.
Donna Smith and Henton Executive, photo Libby Law
Full results are available HERE
Trot up is at 8am local time which is 6am in the eastern Aussie states.
Yours in Eventing
John Lechner (ESJ)
