New Zealander Andrew Nicholson described taking the first two places in the three star competition at the St James's Place Barbury International Horse Trials, with Avebury (1st) (pictured above, photo by Libby Law) and Quimbo (2nd) as "a big confidence booster" before the London Olympics.
This was the first ever Barbury title for Nicholson, who now looks a certainty for the New Zealand team to be announced on July 3rd (New Zealand time). Both of his horses clocked faultless cross country rounds inside the time.
Andrew Nicholson commented "I'm thrilled to win here, Barbury is a fantastic track and it’s my local competition. In the build up to the Olympics there is a lot of pressure because this is a key event, so it’s great to put a strong performance in now".
However, drama unfolded in the final stages of the competition in front of a record crowd, when Mark Todd (NZ) who was lying in third place with NZB Campino was eliminated for missing out fence 21 in the final stages of the cross country and Jonathan Paget (NZ), overnight second, retiring after falling on the cross country (both horse and rider were fine). This left Britain's Lucy Wiegersma and Simon Porloe in third place.
Australian combinations Bill Levett and One Two Many NJ (who also took part in the 4* Combined Training) had a clear round cross country with some time faults, as did Paul Tapner on his up and coming horse Caicos. Chris Burton, who did a lovely dressage test on the first day riding the 9 year old Kinnordy Rivaldo (by River Dance) picked up 20 jumping faults and time faults on the cross country. Chris brought Kinnordy Rivaldo (pictured above, photo Libby Law), owned by Tina Stafford, over to the UK with him in 2011 from Australia but, due to the weather conditions, the horse has had a slow start to the season and Chris would probably be pleased to get the first three star start for Rivaldo under his belt.
British team members Mary King and Tina Cook, with their Olympic rides Imperial Cavalier and Miners Frolic, franked their place on the team with a good cross country performances in their last competitive practice ahead of the summer games in a month's time. On the previous day, Zara Phillips, William Fox-Pitt and Piggy French all completed clear rounds in the cross country in the two star competition on their respective Olympic mounts, who were also competing for the final time (on these horses) ahead of London 2012.
Earlier in the day, New Zealand continued to demonstrate their strength in the Eventing ranks, when Tim Price and Vortex jumped a faultless round in the show jumping to win the Retraining of Racehorses Championship (ROR), walking away with £1,500 in prize money in the process. The first three placings from Friday's ROR competition remained unchanged with Black Tie II ridden by Oliver Townend and Dan Jocelyn and Valemont finishing in second and third place. Following Friday's ROR Novice and Intermediate competition, the top ten places show-jumped off against each other. Retraining of Racehorses is the official welfare charity for retired racehorses of British Horseracing.
Andrew Nicholson now moves on to Aachen with Nereo (see interview below), the horse he is hoping to be chosen on for London 2012 as are Clayton Fredericks, Chris Burton, Bill Levett and Sam Griffiths for Australia. It certainly is an intense lead up to London 2012 and we’ll be bringing you all of the action from Aachen so stay tuned
In the meantime, listen to Jenny Ruddall of Horse & Country TV interview Andrew Nicholson after his win at Barbury. Andrew’s philosophy about preparing for the Olympic Games is really interesting and reflects the competitive nature of the man who provided me with my favourite quote at Burghley last year. Talking about Avebury, Andrew commented “..... he loves it when I ride him like I’ve stolen him.” There is no doubt that Mr. Nicholson will be riding like he has stolen his horse at Greenwich ....................
For final results CLICK HERE
