Jock Paget is set to line up with Sir Mark Todd, Andrew Nicholson and Tim Price for the New Zealand team at this summer’s Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG).
However, Jock’s participation is subject to the final ruling from the FEI tribunal.
The eventer was suspended from competition for 8 and a half months after his ride Clifton Promise tested positive for banned substance reserpine at Burghley last September.
Earlier this month (3-4 June) he attended an FEI tribunal that made a “partial decision” to allow Jock to return to competiton. He rode 6 horses at Salperton last weekend and finished 27th on Clifton Promise.
Jock joins a strong all-male line up, and New Zealand — who won double gold in 1990 and 1998 — are aiming for the top again.
Andrew has ridden in all 6 WEGs — with his best individual result a bronze in Kentucky in 2010, when New Zealand also won a team bronze.
H&H columnist Mark Todd has ridden at four WEGs. It will be the 2nd time Jock has ridden at WEG but his 1st in the team. This months’ Luhmühlen winner Tim makes his championship debut.
Caroline Powell and Lucy Jackson have been named as individuals. It will be Lucy’s championship debut also.
“Everyone has worked very hard to reach the high targets we have set as a team, and that includes the riders, the trainers, all of the support team and the selectors,” said Equestrian Sport New Zealand high performance eventing coach Erik Duvander
“We have an incredible amount of energy in this team and we have super-talented horses.
“We are going out to win. If you are riding to win, you have to stick your neck out and that increases the risk, so we are looking forward to very exciting days in Normandy.”
ESNZ high performance director and WEG chef de mission Sarah Harris added: “This is an outstanding team and really shows the depth and calibre of our riders and the high performance programme.”
Team
- Andrew Nicholson and Nereo (owned by Libby Sellar) or Avebury (owned by Rosemary and Mark Barlow)
- Sir Mark Todd and Leonidas (owned by Peter Cattrell and Di Brunsden)
- Tim Price and Wesko (owned by Christina Knudsen, Peter Vela, Lucy Sangster and Kate Watchman)
- Jock Paget and Clifton Promise (owned by Frances Stead and Russell Hall)
Individuals
- Caroline Powell and Onwards and Upwards (owned by Cameron and Mary Crawford)
- Lucy Jackson and Willy Do (owned by Mark, Gillian and Charlotte Greenlees)
Reserves
- Jonelle Price and Classic Moet (owned by Trisha Rickards),
- Tim Price and Ringwood Sky Boy (owned by Robert Taylor, Selwood.com and Price)
- Megan Heath and her own St Daniel
