Equestrian: Top 10 finish for Powell at Badminton

New Zealand rider Caroline Powell produced a third-successive solid display at the Badminton Horse Trials to finish ninth overall after the showjumping stage in England today (NZT).

Powell and her mount Lenamore were fourth at the prestigious three-day eventing competition last year and 12th in 2007.

The combination was 34th after the dressage and 14th after the cross country before improving another five spots today courtesy of a clear round.

Her 57.5 penalty points were 13 points behind winner Oliver Townend of Great Britain riding Flint Curtis.

Townend knocked down one rail today but still finished of compatriot William Fox-Pitt on Idalgo and third-placed Australian Sam Griffiths on Happy Times.

New Zealand Joe Meyer was 12th on Snip with 58.5 penalties after going clear today while Tim Price was 20th on Vortex and Andrew Nicholson 23rd on Armada.

Meyer placed 42nd on his second mount, Black Andy.

- NZPA