Equestrian: Nicholson finishes second at Burghley

Andrew Nicholson. Photo / Getty Images

Kiwi eventers have claimed three of the top five spots at the prestigious Burghley International Horse Trials in Stamford, England this morning (Monday NZ time).

Andrew Nicholson was second aboard Nereo behind British rider William Fox-Pitt on his New Zealand thoroughbred Parklane Hawk, who collected a record sixth title after a rain-affected final round.

World championships' bronze medallist Nicholson had two horses in the top five going into the final showjumping phase of the three-day event, but three rails on Avebury saw them slip from second to eighth spot, and a lovely clear on Nereo wasn't enough to edge out Fox-Pitt.

But Nicholson, a two-time former champion at Burghley, said that while he was disappointed to take rails, he was pleased with both his horses who had done well in sticky conditions.

Defending champion Caroline Powell and Lenamore had two rails down in the showjumping to finish fourth.

Jonathan Paget, in his first start at Burghley, finished fifth on Clifton Lush, ending the event on their dressage score, and was 12th on his world championships horse, Clifton Promise.

Mark Todd rode Major Milestone to a brilliant clear round to finish in 14th spot, while Clarke Johnstone and Incognito III also went clear to finish 17th.

Equestrian Sports New Zealand eventing high performance leader Erik Duvander said Burghley had been a great week for the Kiwis.

"They all rode well and while it is a little disappointing with Caroline [Powell] on Lenamore, and Andrew [Nicholson] on Avebury, both taking rails, it wasn't our day,'' Duvander said.

Results: William Fox Pitt (GBR) Parklane Hawk 40.7 1, Andrew Nicholson (NZL) Nereo 45.1 2, Mary King (GBR) Kings Temptress 47.4 4, Caroline Powell (NZL) 50.8 4, Jonathan Paget (NZL) Clifton Lush 52.7 5, Andrew Nicholson (NZL) Avebury 54.8 8, Jonathan Paget (NZL) Clifton Promise 57.12 12, Mark Todd (NZL) Major Milestone 58.5 14, Clarke Johnstone (NZL) Incognito III 60.2 17, Neil Spratt (NZL) Upleadon 61.9 20, Jonelle Richards (NZL) Flintstar 72.1 27, Craig Nicolai (NZL) Just Ironic 77.5 38, Dan Jocelyn (NZL) Special Advocate 94 47, Caroline Powell (NZL) Mrs Tilly 109.2 52.