Equestrian: Tait to quit this year

Former world and Olympic three-day event champion Blyth Tait will retire from the sport this year, with one illustrious title having eluded him.

Nine New Zealand riders are among the final entries for the Badminton horse trials in a fortnight but, surprisingly, Tait's name is missing.

He has decided to miss the four-star (top-level) English event where he has finished runner-up three times.

"Ready Teddy is coming back from a year off and Eze did two four-star competitions last year and I don't feel he needs to do it," he said.

"My focus is the Athens Olympics, but Ted is not qualified for it yet.

"It doesn't worry me that I'll never have won Badminton. I've been second three times and won everything else, every major event in Europe. I'm more than satisfied as I've had lots of success, and now I have new challenges ahead with my thoroughbred breeding and racing."

Six New Zealanders entered at Badminton are competing for the first time.

Andrew Nicholson may have his best chance yet with Lord Killinghurst. Auckland's Kate Lambie looks poised for another top placing, after coming fifth in 2002.

After a disappointing first season in Britain, Megan Finlayson says her mount Lion Heart feels "back to his best".

Newcomer Tim Price also has had a good spring season with Desamoray.

Jonelle Richards and Mazetto have a creditable 10th placing at Aldon to give her confidence.

Scottish-based New Zealander Caroline Powell will be aiming to beat her 11th placing in 2000.

Other newcomers are Kate Wood, Kate Hewlett and Sarah Broughton.

- NZPA