Greenwich was the Winner on the Day

Kiwi eventers were out of the top 10 at the Greenwich Park Eventing Invitational in London this morning (Thursday), but still full of praise for the historic venue for next year’s London Olympics.

Double Olympic gold medallist Mark Todd was the best of the New Zealand trio, finishing in 15th 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 17th position, with Clarke Johnstone and Incognito 25th.

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.”

Honours went to Great Britain's Piggy French aboard DHI Topper who almost didn't get to start the showjumping after being held over during the final horse inspection, but passed on further examination.

French, who led from the dressage, said that while it was special to win at the Olympic Test Event, there was more to it.

“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.

Second was current world champion Michael Jung (GER) on River of Joy.

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.

The next big competition for the New Zealand eventers will be at the Aachen International Festival (Germany) in mid July.

Results: Piggy French (GBR) DHI Topper W 34.70 1; Michael Jung (GER) River of Joy 41.80 2; Pippa Funnell (GBR) Billy Shannon 44.90 3;Clayton Fredericks (AUS) Bendigo 46.10 4; Sara Algotsson Ostholt (SWE) Mrs Medicott 46.60 5; Virginie Caulier (BEL) Nepal du Sudre 50.80 6; Vittoria Panizzon (ITA) Borough PennyZ 56.40 7; Joseph Murphy (IRL) Chuckelberry 58.60 8; 9, Donatien Schauly (FRA) Pivoine des Touches 60 9; William Fox-Pitt (GBR) Gaucho 60.30 10; Mark Todd (NZL) NZB Campino 63.10 15; Andrew Nicholson (NZL) Viscount George 64.60 17; Clarke Johnstone (NZL) Incognito 73.10 25.