Equestrian: Nicholson chasing elusive win

BADMINTON, England - Top New Zealand equestrian Andrew Nicholson is set to break a significant record at the Badminton horse trials this week, but he is chasing something far more elusive.

Nicholson, 43, has competed at the prestigious three-day event in southern England 22 times -- equal only with Britain's Lorna Clark -- since 1984.

Completing this year's event on either of his mounts -- Lord Killinghurst and Fenicio -- will give him the record.

But in 22 years of trying, Nicholson has never stood on Badminton's winner's podium.

Last year he was second on Lord Killinghurst behind Englishman William Fox-Pitt; this year he is confident the pair can win.

"I'm more concerned about trying to win the competition than break any records," Nicholson told NZPA ahead of a competition starting on Thursday night (NZ time).

"The record either happens or it doesn't, and I'm not going to limp around the course just to make sure it does.

"I've got a very serious chance of winning with Lord Killinghurst.

"He would be a very fancied bet to win it and that's what I'm focusing on."

Olympian Nicholson won with Lord Killinghurst a fortnight ago at an advanced level competition, overcoming other Badminton combinations.

Both horse and rider were in good form ahead of the prestigious annual event, he said.

To his mind any one of a group of about 15 to 20 riders could win Badminton, which involves dressage, endurance and showjumping.

The main contenders include English trio Fox-Pitt, 2004 Olympic gold medallist Leslie Law, and 2002-2003 winner Pippa Funnell.

Australian Andrew Hoy, a triple Olympic team gold medallist and the winner of Burghley last September, also has good credentials.

Nicholson has been drawn to ride first on Fenicio and 74th on Lord Killinghurst in a field of 83 combinations.

Riding first was not a concern, he said.

"Someone's got to go first, you've just got to go out there and do it.

"I would like to think that I'll be going first at all stages of the event, including at the prizegiving."

Four other New Zealand riders have entered this year.

Caroline Powell will ride Lenamore and Softly Softly III, on which she finished 14th at Badminton last year.

Joe Meyer will ride Snip, Jonelle Richards will compete on Mazetto, while Neil Spratt will ride Haka.

Badminton will include the traditional full endurance phases of roads and tracks, steeplechase and cross-country.

It will be the last time the format is used at Badminton, before the shortened format -- cross-country only -- used at the Olympics, is adopted.

That format is becoming the standard for all major events.

- NZPA