DUNEDIN-born Clarke Johnstone headed the Kiwi raid in the feature CCI4*-L, and in doing so, landed his first European FEI win since arriving in England 18 months ago. As the sole rider to compete on his dressage score (28.5), Johnstone was delighted with the result especially as it also secured his Olympic partnership qualification with the 13-year-old Menlo Park, a horse as well travelled as his owner. Now based at Aston Farm in Gloucestershire, the home of Captain Mark Phillips, Johnstone had held third spot on the flat behind compatriot Samantha Lissington (Ricker Ridge Sooty GNZ) and Sarah Bullimore (Corouet), before taking the lead after a thrilling round in the country.

As the highest placed Kiwi at the Rio Olympics, Johnstone is on the trail again, and looks to have a likely contender in this son of Eurocommerce Berlin, who was originally produced by Kevin McNab and Oliver Townend. Picking up the story, Johnstone explained: “He was imported from England by Australian international rider Tim Boland, who took him through the ranks to three-star level. Unfortunately, Tim got injured, but it meant that I was lucky enough to buy him, and he travelled over to England with me some 18 months ago. He gave me a great ride over what was lovely ground yesterday. We will give him a break now, then decide whether to aim for Boekelo or Pau to finish the year.”