New Zealander Caroline Powell yesterday proved her place among Europe's top equestrians by finishing fourth at the Badminton horse trials.
Powell and her 15-year-old horse Lenamore were one of only three combinations to go clear in the final showjumping event on Sunday.
The faultless ride, as well asstrong dressage and cross country performances, saw them finish the elite four-day event on 52.8 penalty points, 4.4pts behind the winner and current European champion, Nicholas Touzaint of France.
The Olympic gold medallist's win on Hildago de L'Ile made him the first Frenchman to take the title since Badminton began in 1949. Second and third places went respectively to top English riders Lucy Wiegersma, on Shaabrak, and William Fox-Pitt, on Ballincoola.
The fourth placing for Powell and Lenamore was a notable improvement on their 12th placing at the same event last year.
It is another step towards the Scotland-based rider's bid to secure a place on the five-strong New Zealand eventing team for the Beijing Olympics.
"I'm chuffed to bits," Powell said.
"Lenamore's just getting more and more consistent and everyone's put in a hell of a lot of work to get this far."
New Zealand eventing coach Erik Duvander, who is visiting Britain, paid credit to the work of Powell herself. "It was wonderful to see her getting all three phases together - that's really tricky to do."
Powell finished 22nd on her second mount, Mac Macdonald, who, was one of only two 10-year-olds to complete Badminton this year.
Other New Zealanders to finish in the top 20 were Annabel Wigley and Joe Meyer.
Wigley, 24, and Black Drum, who were forced to retire on the cross country at their first Badminton last year, finished 17th, just 0.5pt behind world champion Zara Phillips.
Nicholson, Powell, Meyer, Dan Jocelyn and Heelan Tompkins will compete at the Chatsworth three-star competition next weekend.
