Nicholson on the cusp of maiden Badminton title

Andrew Nicholson continues to lead at Badminton on horse Nereo. Photo / Getty

Andrew Nicholson is one clear showjumping round from securing his maiden Badminton horse trials title after completing the 6.5km cross-country course in 11m 29s on Nereo, one second inside the allotted time, to maintain his lead on 37.8 penalties.

That's the upside.

The downside is that four other riders - Brits William Fox-Pitt (39 penalties on Chilli Morning) and Oliver Townend (39.6 on Armada), German Ingrid Klimke (40.2 on Horseware Hale Bob) and fellow Kiwi Jonathan Paget (40.8 on Clifton Lush) are within one broken rail of overtaking him.

Each rail knocked over concedes four penalties and there is one penalty for every second over time.

Nicholson was asked if there would be prayers overnight.

"I have prayers every night," he replied. "My youngest two children were here today, they'll bring me back to reality at home and we'll talk about something else, like if there are any major problems with the chickens. It'll be a good dose of normality, then tomorrow I'll switch on to riding clear rounds."

With sleeves industriously pulled to the elbow and watches latched to both wrists, the 53-year-old cruised through the 31 obstacles in his record 34th appearance at the British four-star event.

He took the course curves like he was racing an equine version of Formula One. Course designer Giuseppe Della Chiesa's best efforts to insert switch backs were largely negotiated with ease.

The only hiccup came on the second 'willow wave' at the 12th and 13th obstacles known as The Lakes. Nereo stumbled as he emerged from the water, but regained his poise courtesy of expert rein work.

"He made me keep alert," Nicholson said. "I felt like we didn't get off the ground on the jump into the lake, it was like he just slithered over it, yet he landed. You know the distance to the bank is going to be awkward because there's no speed, but I got hold of his head and ribs and ended up on other side.

"He might not be as fast as most horses, but he's fit and doesn't stop."

Nicholson also sits seventh on Calico Joe (43.5) after the full thoroughbred galloped the course with ease.

"Joe is a delicate bit of equipment, you take him the way you walk the course and stick with it but riding him between the fences is unbelievable. He makes the course feel fast. It's a pleasure to sit on him gliding left and right while still going the same speed as you do on the straight. It's when he gets to jumps that you feel nervy."

In a reflection of New Zealand's overall strength in the sport, seven Kiwi entries are in the top 15.

Tim Price on Ringwood Sky Boy was the big mover, rising from 30th to 12th on 48.1 penalties with a run inside time.

Mark Todd on Leonidas II, conceding 1.2 penalties after going three seconds over to move from 15th equal to ninth.

Todd confirmed it is the horse he wants to take to next year's Olympics.

"He's matured a lot from last year and gave me a fabulous ride. He has so much ability and makes it feel easy."

Paget backed up his fifth on Clifton Lush to sit 10th with Clifton Promise on 47.6 while Jonelle Price on The Deputy was 15th on 49.5.

Caroline Powell and Craig Nicolai were both eliminated after falls.