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New Zealand had a tough time of it in the equestrian team showjumping qualifying round today and were unable to advance to tomorrow’s final.

Needing to finish among the top 10 teams to progress, New Zealand  totalled 39 team points and finished 14th in the field of 19.

Experienced Bruce Goodin, who has been riding Danny V for 3½ years, led off for the New Zealanders, but didn’t have the best time of it. He knocked down four fences and incurred one time fault, for a total of 17 faults.

Goodin, who lives in Sweden these days, said he had been looking for a much better score, but indicated he found the course challenging in a subtle sort of way.

Next up was Tom Priebe on Popeye. Priebe did not compete in the individual showjumping, so was making his Olympic debut. After an encouraging start, he had three rails down and one time fault for a total of 13 faults.

“That was rider faults,” said Priebe. “He was going great and I think he’d have had a clear round, but I had a bit of trouble with my hands in the middle. I got it together and he finished well.”

Priebe said he had been on a bit of a roller-coaster with his Olympic experience, going from non-travelling reserve, to reserve, to competitor. “It felt special to compete and I was proud to be at the Olympics.”

New Zealand’s third rider was Daniel Meech on Cinca 3. After a very impressive opening to his round, Meech came unstuck right at the end when Cinca struck two rails. With one time fault as well he totalled 9 faults.

The leading qualifiers were the Swedes, who had a wonderful evening. All three of their riders went clear within the allotted time, so they incurred no faults.

 

Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games
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