Full Steam Ahead for Johnstone in Sydney

Kiwi World Games team bronze medalist Clarke Johnstone and Orient Express are sitting handily in second place at the end of the cross country phase at the Equestrian New South Wales FEI World Cup Eventing CIC3* this afternoon (Saturday).

But there is nothing in it between the top three – leader Shane Rose on Taurus sits on 44.3 penalties, Johnstone (Matangi) is on 45.40 and last year's winner Christopher Burton on Holstein Park Leilani is on 45.9.

Former NZ based rider John Twomey and Wade Equine Flaunt It are in fourth spot on 48, with Alice Montgomery (Christchurch) and Gordon are in 18th spot on 86.8.

Johnstone went clear without time faults in the cross country that saw many struggle to keep inside the time allowed. He was sitting in third spot after his dressage, but leader Tim Boland on GV Billy Elliott had a costly cross country phase and are sitting in 21st position.

Three combinations were eliminated, one retired and one was withdrawn in the 30-strong field.

The showjumping, the final phase of the eventing, will be held tomorrow afternoon.

Further to Sydney eventing story, we have just been informed that John Twomey actually had a fall at the water on the cross country course and was taken to hospital. We have no further information on his condition.