The New Zealand equestrian team achieved a remarkable victory at the Nations Cup in CHIO Aachen, Germany, marking only the second time they have claimed this prestigious title. Tim Price emerged as the individual winner astride Vitali, showcasing exceptional skill throughout the competition.
Price led the charge, securing both individual and team gold medals with a stellar performance in the cross-country round, accumulating 30.5 penalty points. This triumph marked Price’s first individual victory at Aachen, renowned as one of the most challenging equestrian events globally.
Joining Price in the top rankings were Monica Spencer on Artist, finishing sixth with 37.2 points, Clarke Johnstone on Rocket Man in ninth place with 40.8 points, and Jonelle Price on Hiarado in tenth place with 41.3 points. The team’s fifth member, Samantha Lissington, claimed the 22nd spot riding Lord Seekonig.
Although Great Britain initially seemed poised for victory, the New Zealand team rallied, ultimately clinching the title by 8.7 penalty points. The United States secured second place, with the British team settling for third.
Notably, this win echoed the success of the New Zealand team at the 2018 Nations Cup, with Tim Price and Johnstone part of the victorious squad alongside Blyth Tait and Sir Mark Todd. Price’s consistent performance over the years, including two fourth-place finishes at Aachen, underscored his prowess in the sport.
Spencer and Artist, who traveled from their US base for the event, delivered a standout cross-country round, incurring only 0.4 time penalties. The entire New Zealand team displayed exceptional showjumping skills, with each member incurring minimal time penalties.
Reflecting on the competition, Tim Price expressed satisfaction with Vitali’s performance, particularly noting the horse’s improved showjumping capabilities that paved the way for their victory. Price’s elation was shared by Equestrian Sports NZ’s general manager of high performance, Jock Paget, who commended all five Kiwi combinations for their outstanding performance.
Aachen holds significant importance in the equestrian world, serving as the venue for the upcoming 2026 world championships. Paget emphasized the event’s challenging nature and the pressure faced by competitors, highlighting the team’s strategic and skillful approach that led to their resounding success.
Securing victory at Aachen not only solidified New Zealand’s position in the equestrian arena but also underscored the team’s unwavering dedication and competitive spirit. The triumph at the Nations Cup serves as a testament to the team’s talent and commitment to excellence in equestrian sports.
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