New Zealand team pulls off shock victory in UAE event
New Zealand have produced a shock in winning a first-ever FEI Nations Cup showjumping title, after taking out the year’s opening event in a dramatic finish in the United Arab Emirates yesterday.
The Kiwi quartet of childhood mates Samantha McIntosh (on Check In), Bruce Goodin (Backatorps Danny V), Richard Gardner (Calisto) and Daniel Meech (Fine) came out victorious in a nailbiting first leg of the new 13-round worldwide series in Abu Dhabi, edging out Ireland in a jump-off.
The two countries were tied at the top on 12 faults after the first two rounds, then in the jump-off over 13 fences McIntosh went first and posted a clear round - just as she had in the two rounds prior to claim a half share of the 50,000 Euro on offer for clean rounds - before Ireland’s Shane Breen (Laith) faulted at the third fence, to hand New Zealand the title.
French-based rider McIntosh said that the victory was totally unexpected, and was in awe of the performance of her 15-year-old stallion. ‘‘It’s ridiculous. It was like watching a movie; honestly, I never thought we could do it,’’ the 42-year-old said. ence and nor does his horse but they have been together since Calisto was young and they know each other inside out,’’ McIntosh said. ‘‘He believed in his horse and he was very grateful to get the chance to show what they could do.
‘‘And as for Bruce Goodin (48), he’s the rock of our team. He borrowed this horse and was riding it for the very first time at this show. He’s just amazing.’’
Italy took third place, with Switzerland, Saudi Arabia and the UAE sharing fourth, with Egypt and Syria rounding out the standings.
The second leg of the Nations Cup series is in Ocala (USA) today, where teams from the North/Central America and Caribbean League will be in action.