Equestrian: Andrew Nicholson leads Badminton after dressage

10.25am

A stunning performance by New Zealand's Andrew Nicholson riding Lord Killinghurst swept them into the lead at the Badminton Horse Trials today.

Riding last in the muddy conditions Nicholson showed all his skill and experience to produce a dressage test which wowed the judges and left him 4.2 penalties clear of the rest of the field, which is tightly bunched.

There is only one cross country mistake between the next 43 competitors.

Nicholson said Lord Killinghurst was "a lovely horse to ride. He's just got better and better. The going in the arena was better than the warm up area and he coped well with it."

Tomorrow's cross country will be a big test and Nicholson believes that it will be very difficult as the horses get tired.

"It won't be slippery, we're passed that but it will be tiring for the horses. The first 3 minutes on the cross country is galloping and then there are some questions so you'll need to keep them switched on over that first phase."

Kate Lambie and Nufarm Alibi prepared for the dressage in the worst of the day's weather and produced a disappointing test for 42nd place on 60 penalties.

"Unfortunately we just didn't have the flare today. I'm really disappointed - I just found it really hard to get the elevation and sparkle you need for a good test.

"I tried and she broke in the trot so I just had to ride a quiet test. Still, she performed well in the conditions," Lambie said.

"I'm riding late in the day tomorrow so I'll be able to gauge how the cross country is riding in the morning."

The only kiwi competitor not long listed for the Olympics earlier had a very pleasing dressage test.

With a score of 56.6 penalties, Sarah Broughton and Money Train are pushing themselves forward for consideration.

"I was pleased with the test. It's a big atmosphere in there and maybe I could have asked for a bit more but he was good. I am trained by Vaughan Jefferis, the former World Champion, who's told me to just kick on so that's what I'll be doing tomorrow."

Kate Hewlett and internet caught the worst of the heavy rain but still managed a creditable score of 56.8 points.

"He's got a really good temperament and the atmosphere didn't phase him at all. We knew it wouldn't phase him at all."

- NZPA