Tompkins has eyes on the Olympics

Equestrian Heelan Tompkins has sent a clear message to the New Zealand selectors that she and mount Sugoi are serious contenders to be included in the Olympic team after claiming victory at the FEI World Cup Eventing, the flagship class of the Mitavite International Horse Trial near Te Awamutu.

Tompkins who is on the New Zealand Olympic Shortlist lead the competition from start to finish and never looked at relinquishing their lead. She posted the best dressage score on Friday, then on Saturday went clear cross country having the fastest time and finishing today with a clear show-jumping round. Anne-Marie Styles on Opera Groove finished second and Jonathan Pagent finished third, both producing clear show-jumping rounds.

Tompkins made light of her huge achievement when standing on the podium. "This is where I want to be at the Olympics" she said. Tompkins has chosen to base her Olympic campaign from New Zealand and hopes this weekends victory will be enough to cement her position when the team is announced in June. She is up against the legendary Mark Todd who has returned to the sport after eight years in retirement.

www.teawamutu.net/eventing