2000 Olympic Games - Sydney, Australia

Day 7: David O'Connor Dominates Cross Country

21st September 2000 --

David O'CONNOR (US) continues to dominate the individual three-day event, remaining on his dressage score of 29 after a faultless cross country round. Heidi ANTIKATZIDIS (GRE) on a score of 37.40, and Mark TODD (NZL), on 39, are still second and third.

The experienced partnership of O'CONNOR and CUSTOM MADE breezed around the testing cross country phase of the endurance section. An awkward jump over Pemulwuy's Waterhole, the first water fence, was the only hiccup in an otherwise perfect round.

The diminutive ANTIKATZIDIS, the first three-day event rider to represent Greece at the Olympics, completed a superb round on the stylish MICHAELMAS. Looking secure throughout, ANTIKATZIDIS' timing was perfect to finish with just five seconds in hand.

Completing his final international cross country round, TODD was delayed twice due to other riders experiencing problems on course. Looking a little tentative in places, EYESPY II was fortunate to have been piloted by the Event Rider of the Century.

The thrill of the medal chase continues Friday with the third horse inspection at 08:30 followed by the showjumping at 11.00.

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