Kiwis Impressed with Greenwich Test Event

Kiwi eventers were out of the top 10 at the Greenwich Park Eventing Invitational in London, but still full of praise for the historic venue for next year’s London Olympics reports Diana Dobson of ESNZ.

Double Olympic gold medallist Mark Todd was the best of the New Zealand trio, finishing in 15^th spot aboard youngster NZB Campino in the test event.

“What an amazing venue,” he said. “I think it will be made to work really well for next year. The organisers are keen to take on comments to make it a fantastic games.”

All three of the Kiwi eventers were clear of jumping penalties over the tight and hilly cross country course, with Todd one of just seven combinations to go on to double clear in the showjumping.

Andrew Nicholson and Viscount George finished in 17^th position, with Clarke Johnstone and Incognito 25^th.

Nicholson was also happy with the test venue.

“It is impressive and very different to what we are used to,” he said.. “It will definitely be an exciting cross country at the games.”

Equestrian Sports New Zealand high performance director Sarah Harris was pleased to see how well the young New Zealand horses coped with the charged environment and atmosphere.

“It was a very well organised event.”

“This has really been about checking things out before next summer's games and from that point of view it's been a huge success," she said.

From an organisational perspective, the last few days have provided a bank of information and ideas that will be sifted through in great detail as debriefing takes place.

LOCOG equestrian competition manager Tim Hadaway said comments from competitors and everyone else involved in the event will all be taken on board.

Meanwhile, www.london2012.com has reported that the test event went well with spectators at the event enjoying not only top eventing but breathtaking views from the Cross-Country course, looking towards London’s Canary Wharf, as per photo above of British rider Pippa Funnell and her horse Billy Shannon.

Overall, the 19 jump, 2.8km long Cross Country course proved to be a hit with the 39 competitors and 5,000 strong crowd. This is the first time horses have competitively jumped a Cross-Country course in Greenwich Park.

Quick Link

• visit the London Olympics website www.london2012.com
• ESNZ website

Photo: www.london2012.com