Day One at the New Zealand Qualifier for the FEI World Cup Eventing

Taranaki's Matthew Grayling was in a league of his own at the first day of the New Zealand qualifier for the FEI World Cup Eventing at Kihikihi near Te Awamutu. Grayling is campaigning for a fourth consecutive win of this title and posted a dressage score of 46.7 on his mount NRM Gordon. He is 11.8 points clear of Angela Lloyd (Gandalf) and Lucy Jackson (Mystery Creek) who are tied for second on 58.5.

Saturday's cross-country course has been the hot topic of conversation and will be a true challenge for the thirteen strong World Cup class. Former World Champion Vaughn Jefferis lead a crowd of several hundred around the course and told them that it was among the best courses he had seen. "it not only requires big brave riding, it has a strong technical element and is beautifully presented" said Jefferis. The course incorporates many theme areas including a Hundred Acre Wood area complete with stump houses for sculptured figures of Winnie the Pooh, Roo, Tiger, Rabbit and others. The event concludes on Sunday with the Show Jumping.

Photo: Overnight leader Matthew Grayling and NRM Gordon