Johnstone holds on to lead at Kihikihi World Cup

Clarke Johnstone and Orient Express retained the narrowest of leads after today’s cross-country phase at the FEI World CupTM Event at Kihikihi today. A confident and fast clear round ensured that the pair remained on their dressage score of 45.7 penalties, just ahead of Australian rider Chris Burton on Holstein Park Leilani. Burton also delivered a polished round on his scopey mare to finish on his dressage score of 45.9 penalties, leaving Johnstone absolutely no room for error in the final show-jumping phase tomorrow. Australian Shane Rose shifted into third position (50.7 penalties) with a fast clear round on Taurus, after overnight third-placeholders Lizzie Brown and Henton Attorney General parted company mid-course. Johnstone also guided Incognito round clear and under time to shift up two places into fourth position (52.2 penalties). Kihikihi first-timer Simon Gordon showed expertise well beyond his 21 years to bring his two horses home clear and end the day in fifth (Simply Mitch, 68.9 penalties) and sixth (Fletch.com, 71.1 penalties).