Josh Collins and Cornel. Sopot CSIO4* June 2024. Photo by Lukasz Kowalski-2
Josh Collins and Cornel notched their best-ever European result at the weekend finishing third in the CSIO4* 1.50m Grand Prix qualifier at Sopot in Poland.
The Kiwi combo were double clear, stopping the clock at 47.61 seconds behind winner Chris Burton (AUS) aboard Jacksonville Eurohill who crossed the flags in 38.24 and Mariana Frauches Chaves (BRA) on OBI Van Klapscheut who came home in 43.77.
“He was great,” said Josh. “He’s got plenty of jump and loves his job. The courses are tough and technical here with the times tight.” Despite the result qualifying him for the Grand Prix, he was unable to start having already lined up in three classes at the show.
Earlier he rode for New Zealand in the Nations Cup where with teammates Richard Gardner, Phillip Steiner and Daniel Meech they finished out of the money.
Daniel did pick up an Olympic qualifier during the Nations Cup class. Chef d’equipe Eliza Johns said the jumping had been tough and clears thin on the ground at Sopot.
Richard Gardner and Carl Otto 5 placed 10th in the 62-strong CSIO4* special two phase 1.45m which was won by Emma Emanuelsson (SWE) aboard Ladina.
By Diana Dobson – HP Media Liaison