It is a disappointing early end to New Zealand’s tilt at the Longines FEI Nations Cup in St Gallen, Switzerland. Samantha McIntosh’s star stallion Check In 2 has been fighting an infection this week and the decision was made to withdraw him.

“No luck for me this week,” said McIntosh. “It’s disappoint that this results in New Zealand not having a complete team. It is still a great opportunity for us to all be here.”The horse had jumped in a small warm-up class but didn’t appear to be himself.

Chef d’equipe Ulrika Goodin reiterated McIntosh’s disappointment. “The team really wanted to go into battle tomorrow,” she said. “This is one of the great CSIO events each year and for us not to be able to compete is very sad, however we always have our horse’s welfare first.”

McIntosh and Estina finished 17th in the speed and handiness 1.5m competition, which was won by Werner Muff (SUI) aboard Cosby who was clear in 85.03 seconds. McIntosh had four faults in 92.11. Richard Gardner also competed in the class aboard his new horse Ulysse D’en Haut.

Bruce Goodin and Backatorps Danny V also had a rail in the 1.5m Prize MS Direct Group class, to finish in 23rd spot.

McIntosh is scheduled to start in tonight’s Prize of the City of St Gallen and the Canton St Gallen accumulator with both Estina and Alaid de Chez Nous.

In Canada, Sharn Wordley and Casper finished 10th in the $235,000 CSIO5* Longines Grand Prix. The class was won by Daniel Coyle (IRL) aboard Cita.

 

CLICK HERE FOR FULL RESULTS FROM ST GALLEN
CLICK HERE FOR LIVE STREAMING FROM ST GALLEN

CLICK HERE FOR FULL RESULTS FROM  CANADA

 

The horse details:
Check In 2 – owned by Takapoto Equestrian
Estina – owned by Lakeridge Equestrian
Alaid de Chez Nous – owned by Lakeridge Equestrian
Bäckatorps Danny – owned by Bäckatorp Ryder AB
Fine – owned by AB Kastanjegärden and Daniel Meech
Ulysse D’En Haut – owned by Bg Sportpferde Salzburg & Gestüt Seeham Grundbesitz GmbH
Casper – owned by the Sky Group

 

By Diana Dobson – HP Media Liaison
Photos by Libby Law/ESNZ