Former Dunedin rider Clarke Johnstone is on top of the equestrian world after he won the eventing World Cup Series in Paris yesterday.
Despite finishing sixth at yesterday's Le Grand event, the 24-year-old finished four points ahead of his nearest rival, Australian Chris Burton, on the overall standings.
The series win is worth 30,000 ($NZ52,600), Equestrian Sports New Zealand reported on its website yesterday.
Johnstone became the first New Zealander to win the seven-round series after he won the first two rounds, in New Zealand and Australia, earlier in the year.
Johnstone is a member of the New Zealand team which finished third in the world eventing championships in Kentucky last year.
He could not be reached for comment yesterday .
But his mother, Jean Johnstone, said from Paris she was "over the moon" with the win. It was great reward for all the time and effort he had put into eventing.
Johnstone grew up in Outram on the family property where his parents still live.
He went to John McGlashan College and after graduating from the University of Otago he moved to Waikato in 2008 so he could be closer to equestrian activities.
Mrs Johnstone said her son had seen great opportunities open up for him since he moved to Britain earlier in the year.
He will now contest the prestigious Burghley horse trials in Britain next week.
Johnstone won the World Cup Series aboard Orient Express and will ride Incognito at Burghley.
He is hoping to further press his claims for selection in the New Zealand Olympic team in London next year.
