Equestrian: Nicholson wins event in France

Andrew Nicholson. Photo / Martin Sykes

Veteran New Zealand eventer Andrew Nicholson led from start to finish to win the three-star Saumur Horse Trials in France.

Riding Avebury, Nicholson recored just just three time faults in his showjumping round yesterday to record 49.90 penalties. The win is nine-year-old Avebury's first at three-star level and the high point of a chequred spring season in the United Kingdom for Nicholson.

He led through the dressage and cross-country stages and ultimately headed off second-placed French rider Arnaud Boiteau on Expo du Moulin, who ended with 51.50 while Australia's Bill Levett on Hyppolyte with 56.20.

Nicholson's second mount, Mr Cruise Control, finished in 31st place on 92.10.

New Zealanders Joe Meyer on Ariki and Debbie Mitchell on Waimak were eliminiated on the cross-country.

- NZPA