Kiwi Jumpers Through at WEG

New Zealand jumpers Sam McIntosh and Daniel Meech are through to the second round of competition at the FEI World Individual Jumping Championships at the World Equestrian Games in North Carolina.

It was a massive day for all 119 combinations who tackled the Alan Wade (IRE) course. It was big, technical and very challenging with 30-plus degree heat adding even more pressure and many combinations adding double figures to their tallies. Clear rounds were few and far between with just five leaving everything in place and coming home inside the time allowed, and four picked up a single time fault. Riders each carried their penalties through from yesterday. In the end it was Italian Lorenzo de Luca and Irenice Horata who snatched the top of the leaderboard from overnight leader Steve Guerdat (SUI) aboard Bianca who finished the day in eighth place.

But the toast of the Kiwi camp was certainly Sam McIntosh and Check In 2 who had a single rail for four faults and placed 15th. “We are in a good position going into tomorrow’s round,” she said. “It turned out to be a very tough course today. I am looking forward to getting into the ring tomorrow and have a go at qualifying for (the final on) Sunday.”

Daniel Meech and Fine had two rails down and picked up two time penalties to add 10 to his tally and finish in 53rdplace.

“It’s great to get another go at it,” he said. “It is well deserved for Fine – she was very comfortable on the course and it could so easily have been a four-five fault round. It means a lot to get through. If we could pull out a dream round tomorrow you never know what could happen.”

New Zealand jumping chef d’equipe Helena Stormanns was very pleased with her two top riders and philosophical about Bruce Goodin and Sharn Wordley who won’t be progressing. “That’s the sport.”

Goodin aboard Backatorps Danny V and Wordley aboard Casper both had disappointing days, collecting 23 and 24 penalties respectively. Neither will progress through to the next round tomorrow.

New Zealand placed 18thwith just the top 10 going through to the final team round tomorrow. Switzerland are the leading qualifiers with hosts the United States second and Germany third.

For full results, head to www.tryon2018.com.

The horse details –
The horse details –
Casper – owned by The Sky Group
Check In 2 – owned by Takapoto Equestrian
Backatorps Danny V – owned by Backatorp Ryder AB
Fine – owned by Ann Liwing and Daniel Meech

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