Equestrian: Nicholson continues to lead at Badminton

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

New Zealand rider Andrew Nicholson has edged a step closer to a maiden Badminton title in his record 34th attempt. He holds the outright lead after the completion of the dressage phase.

Yesterday Nicholson conceded 37.8 penalty points on Nereo, meaning a swift and precise cross-country run could place him in pole position to break his drought. He is also 12th on Calico Joe after racking up 43.5 points today.

The 53-year-old has a lot at stake. He is currently estranged from Equestrian Sports New Zealand's high performance squad after a disagreement with a team vet at last year's World Games in Normandy. A strong performance, and preferably victory, would heap pressure on the national organisation to resolve what would shape as a travesty if he is omitted from competing at his seventh Olympics at Rio. Nicholson was a picture of composure at today's post-competition press conference as he prepares to break new ground in a career which has gleaned seven individual four-star titles.

Nicholson was seventh-equal at the same point last year on Nereo but was eliminated from the cross-country.

"I'm a little surprised [he's still in the lead]. I thought he might drop back but, with the score I had, I felt there wouldn't be many in front of him.

"I'm focused on what I've got to do here. Last year I made a stupid mistake and I've had 12 months to think about that. I know what to do and what I've got to do and I have a very good horse, which helps make it easier."

Not even British arch-rival William Fox-Pitt on Chilli Morning could prise Nicholson from the top spot, finishing on 39 penalties. Fellow Brit Oliver Townend on Armada, with a score of 39.6, was the other rider to register a score under 40.

Fellow New Zealander Jock Paget also looms as a contender to back up his 2013 title. His 41.2 penalties on Clifton Promise saw him slip from third on the opening day to sixth once all riders had tested. That was mitigated by the fact he took one of the places above him with a consistent display on Clifton Lush, conceding 40.8 penalties. Paget looked thrilled patting the neck of his mount in the aftermath.

Four other New Zealanders are in the top 30. Lucy Jackson (45.7 penalties) sits 14th on Willy Do, Mark Todd (45.8) is 15th equal on Leonidas II, Caroline Powell (47.2) is 23rd equal on Onwards and Upwards and Tim Price (48.1) is 30th on Ringwood Sky Boy.

The cross-country begins tonight (New Zealand time). The 6.5km course must be completed in 11m 30s to avoid incurring 0.4 penalties per second, or extra punishment if the horses refuse to jump or break an obstacle. A third refusal or the fall of a rider and/or horse results in elimination.

The final showjumping phase starts tomorrow night.