NZ: Eketahuna rider toast of equestrian champs

Wairarapa Times-Age
23.08.2006

Eketahuna horseman Shane Dougan was the toast of the New Zealand team and his horse the centre of overseas attention after the combination finished eighth in the endurance race at the World Equestrian Games in Germany yesterday.

Dougan, and his 10-year-old Arabian stallion Vigar Riffal produced New Zealand's best endurance result at a World Games on the way to overtaking a dozen other combinations in an extra quick final loop in the 160km event.

Dougan averaged 41km/h in the final of the six loops after finishing the first in 70th place of the 159 starters.

"He could have gone quicker," Dougan said.

"There was plenty left in the tank, he's a great little horse."
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