Equestrian: Nicholson loses his lead

New Zealand rider Andrew Nicholson surrendered his lead at the Badminton horse trials yesterday.

Jumping last on Lord Killinghurst, Nicholson incurred 21.6 time faults in the cross-country to end on 65 penalties, 2.6 behind Briton William Fox-Pitt and Tamarillo.

Nicholson was 54s over the time allowance of 11m 30s in energy-sapping mud at Badminton Park but he could not fault Lord Killinghurst for effort.

"The horse just doesn't have an awful lot of stamina and he just got tired towards the end, but he gave me 110 per cent to the finish," he said.

Nicholson was also in 27th place on his second mount, Flush Banker.

It was a day of mixed fortunes for New Zealanders, with Nicholson one of five in the top 20 heading into the showjumping phase overnight (NZ time).

Kate Hewlett and Internet were 12th after collecting 26 time penalties as they improved 17 places yesterday, while Jonelle Richards and Mazetto had 26.8 time penalties as she moved into 15th place.

Kate Wood and Witch Doctor improved from 74th to 17th after incurring just 15.6 time penalties. In 19th place were Caroline Powell and Softly Softly III.

- NZPA