NZ National Three Day Underway - Johnstone Leads 3***

The 2011 NRM Three Day Event started in brilliant sunshine at the Fiber Fresh Equestrian Centre at Aratiatia, Taupo, this afternoon, with the initial veterinary inspection of all 260 horses participating in the four levels of competition and Clarke Johnstone leading the 3*** after the dressage.

Former Australian Olympian Gillian Rolton, director of the Adelaide International Three-day Event, is president of the ground jury judging the NRM CCI3* class. She is full of praise for the new cross-country course, saying, “It’s a big bold course which will reward the scopey, athletic, and fit horses.”

Remarking on the work done on the DOC reserve, she said, “John (Nicholson) and Rowan (Armer) and their team have done an amazing job in the forest to open a new and exciting area. A huge amount of work has been done on the footing which will be a legacy for the future,” adding, “It is well up to 3* standard.”

The traditional rivalry between the North and South Island in the inter-island team competition will be another first, with the South Island naming four 3* horses in their team, rather than horses from different levels, which the North Island then matches.

The South Island team is Clarke Johnstone on Incognito, Brent Jury on SE Big, Larissa Srhoy on Starburst, and Annabel Wigley on Enzo, all of whom are contesting the 3* class.

The North Island team named from the same class is Kate Wood on Easy Tiger, Bryce Newman on Trademark, Jock Paget on Clifton Pinot, and Heelan Tompkins on Major Difference.

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Source: Virginia Caro