Equestrian: Tragedy strikes at Burgley as Nicholson makes top 10

9.45am

New Zealand's Andrew Nicholson rode two masterly rounds today to finish with two horses in the top 10 after a demanding cross-country produced a high casualty rate at the Burghley horse trials.

The day was marked by the tragic fall of Englishwoman Caroline Pratt, 42, who died later in hospital.

Pratt, of England, had previously been on a short list to represent Britain at the Athens Olympics and had competed in the past at European level and at the world famous Badminton horse trials.

A police spokesman said Pratt, who was single, was hurt when her horse, Primitive Streak, fell at a fence called "The Lake Crossing".

"It appears that the horse fell on top of her and she suffered serious crush injuries," the spokesman said.

"She was taken to the Peterborough District Hospital by road ambulance where she later died."

Leading the competition after the cross-country phase ride was Australia's Andrew Hoy, on Moon Fleet, with a score of 48.4. Nicholson, on Lord Killinghurst, incurred 13.2 time faults to finish on 53.4 for second place.

After an impressive day, Hoy, on his second horse Master Monarch, also holds third place on 53.6 faults.

Nicholson also holds eighth place on his second horse Mr Smiffy with Northland's Kate Hewlett just behind him in ninth on her stallion internet.

In his international swansong Blyth Tait, on Eze, is 16th.

Today's cross-country course caused problems for many horses and riders with only 48 of the 90 starters being able to post a score, leaving New Zealand with a strong presence of four riders in the top 20.

The next best placed New Zealander is Megan Finlayson, riding Lion Heart, in 46th place.

Daniel Jocelyn and Special Attorney retired during the cross-country.

Joe Meyer and Snip and Jonelle Richards and Mazetto were both eliminated after a fall while Caroline Powell had to retire before the cross-country.

Nicholson had a delay of nearly 40 minutes towards the end of the course while Pratt was receiving medical attention after the nasty fall.

The delay did not upset his concentration.

"It happened at the part of the course where the horse was getting tired," Nicholson said.

"It was a part of the course where I would be picking the speed up. I was stopped long enough that the horse was just about fully recovered.

"At the end of the day it really probably hasn't affected me."

Nicholson won Burghley twice before, including once on Mr Smiffy and is keen to add another victory.

- NZPA