©Barbara Thomson Photography

By Media Release

The importance of three-day events, which earn double points in the ESNZ Eventing series, was emphasized at the final event of the 2014-15 year, the NRM CCI3* at the National Three-day Event at Taupo over the weekend. Fraser King, who won the Puhinui CCI3* with Nadal KSNZ in December, had held the lead since then despite not competing during the autumn season due to a broken foot.

But Clarke Johnstone and Balmoral Sensation, who had a restricted season after the horse suffered a paddock injury, finally took the Super League lead after placing second at Taupo, the final event of the series. He was delighted, saying, “That’s awesome. I thought I had to win [the event] to win it [the series].”

Johnstone met his match in Australian visitor Shane Rose on CP Qualified, who won the NRM CCI3* by the narrowest of margins. They both hope to make their respective Olympic teams for Rio, and are looking forward to testing each other again at the Adelaide CCI4* in November.

Diane Gilder and Your Attorney placed third behind these two experienced internationals at Taupo, which was also good enough to move ahead of King. She made a late run after stepping up to 3* this season, placing second at Kihikihi and winning at Woodhill Sands, before a top performance at Taupo. She said, “I’m absolutely thrilled with him, he well and truly exceeded my hopes this season.”

Gilder is new to the top level, and only has the one horse. He is an Australian thoroughbred she found while working in NSW, and has produced him herself. He is a stunning horse, and they have developed confidence in each other, quietly consolidating at each level before moving up. She said, “It’s time now to go up the gears. There are very exciting times ahead.”

Source: Equestrian Sports New Zealand