Equestrian: Nicholson excels at Burghley

Andrew Nicholson. File photo / Martin Sykes

Andrew Nicholson is eyeing the podium at the Burghley International Horse Trials, with two horses in the top five.

The 50-year-old world championships bronze medallist was in fourth and fifth spots with his horses Nereo and Avebury at the end of the dressage phase - the first in this high-ranking UK event, which was due to continue tonight (NZT).

There was little in it at the top, with Simone Deitermann (Germany) and Free Easy NRW out front on 39.3 points, William Fox-Pitt (UK) aboard his New Zealand thoroughbred Parklane Hawk in second on 39.7, Nicholson and Nereo on 42.3 and 42.8 on Avebury, with Powell tied on 42.8.

Fox-Pitt's Parklane Hawk was produced by Matthew Grayling and has only been with the top British rider for 18 months. New Zealand's defending champion Caroline Powell and Lenamore were tied with Nicholson in fifth.

Nicholson, a two-time winner at Burghley, has been in great form of late, and both his mounts are excellent over the cross-country - a phase that often troubles many.

The sheer size and terrain of Burghley makes for one of the most challenging courses on the circuit.

"This is a very tough event. It is a demanding cross-country," Nicholson said. "The key will be working out where to save energy out there."

Both William Fox-Pitt and Nicholson have two horses each in the top 11.

Powell will be looking for a solid cross country from her big grey campaigner who may be one of the oldest in the field at 18, but behaves more like a youngster and adores Burghley, according to his rider.

New Zealand's Blyth Tait and Santos are creating plenty of interest with their return from a seven-year retirement but are mid-field after a few costly mistakes in the dressage.

Mark Todd is sitting down the order, after being let down by Major Milestone's canter during his dressage test.

The cross-country, designed by Captain Mark Phillips, will run overnight with the showjumping.

- APNZ