Dateline: Hastings, New Zealand

NEW ZEALAND TAKES SECOND DAY OF THE TRI NATIONS - from Diana Dobson

NEW Zealand has taken an almost unassailable lead in the tri-nations showjumping clash at the Kelt Capital Horse of the Year Show in Hastings this afternoon (Saturday).

A superb effort from all four team members left the Kiwis well clear of the opposition on the second day of competition against Australia and South Africa.

The win was anchored with two fabulous clear rounds from Simon Wilson. Top Australian rider Paul Athanasoff the only other one to record double clears.

Other New Zealand riders Hawera dairy farmer Robert Steel and Waipukurau farmer Oliver Edgecombe were solid with just five faults apiece over the two rounds, with multi-Olympian Bruce Goodin collecting 16 faults.

The win now gives them seven points, however, with the possibility of two bonus points for three clears in each round, their leg victory is not assured.

Going into tomorrow (Sunday), the final day of the event, New Zealand leads on seven points, Australia are second on four and the South Africans trail on two.

Competition will be over two rounds again tomorrow (Sunday). New Zealand chef d’equip Helen Ensor was rapt with her team’s performance.

“This is a good solid team performance,” she said.

All are on borrowed mounts. The second leg of the competition will be held in South Africa in early June.