The second round of the HSBC FEI World Cup Eventing was held this weekend at Kihikihi,  here in NZ.  Last years winner  Australian Megan Jones with her superstar Olympic mount " Kirby Park Irish Jester " flew in to contest the title once again.
As in 2009, Jones and her gorgeous 15 yo grey  led from the start on a great score of 39.4.
Click here to view Megan Jones winning dressage test on Kirby Park Irish Jester.
Taking the long route at fence 3  cost them 3.6 time penalties and they went into the final Jumping round with a two-fence lead, although this proved unnecessary, as they jumped clear, finishing 21 penalties clear of their nearest rival, Heelan Tompkins (NZL) on "Major Difference".   They did have their moments throughout the event, as Jester studded himself in the xc , prob coming out of the water if you watch closely  the video link here .
Clark Johnstone with his wonderful campaigner "Oakley Vision" had uncharacteristic spook at the planks in SJing to drop back to 3rd place.
Two of our leading NZ based eventers ( "Sugoi" ridden by Heelan Tompkins and "Clifton Promise"  ridden by Jonathon Paget ) , started the class but pulled out after dressage , as they are entered for Rolex Kentucky CCI*** and due to travel to USA for this big event in next week.
Last year, Jones was prevented from travelling to the World Cup Final in Poland due to quarantine restrictions. Now, no doubt inspired by the new format for the HSBC FEI World Cup™ Eventing, in which the top 15 riders in the series share the US$180,000 prize-pool, Jones will contest the next event, at Sydney in her home country (7-9 May), with a strong advantage over her compatriots and an exciting chance of dominating the series again.

There were nearly  300 horses eventered at the event including classes down to Pre Novice level . Full results can be  viewed here .