Eventing: Burghley winner on a roll

World No 1 Andrew Nicholson continued his rich vein of form and was leading the CIC three-star British Championship class at the Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials after two days of dressage.

Nicholson, who earlier in the week won the Burghley International Horse Trials, and his mount Quimbo sit on 35.1 penalty points at the front of the 70-strong field. Piggy French (GBR) and West Side are second on 36.3.

Mark Todd and Leonidas II are the next-best of the Kiwis in 11th on 47.4 penalties.

In the CCI three star, which has a longer cross country course than the CIC competition which is for horses aged eight or nine, Australian Christopher Burton and Underdiscussion lead on 31.8.

Todd is the best of the New Zealanders, sitting in sixth on 39.6 with Conair, with Nicholson and Viscount George seventh on 40 in the 90-strong field.

Results

CIC *** British Championship class for 8 and 9 year old horses (after dressage phase): Andrew Nicholson (NZL) Quimbo 35.1 penalty points, 1; Piggy French (GBR) West Side 36.3, 2; Bettina Hoy (GER) Designer 10 40.8, 3. Also: Mark Todd (NZL) Leonidas II 47.4, 11; Caroline Powell (NZL) Onwards and Upwards 52.2, 32; Jonelle Richards (NZL) Wesko 52.5, 34; Lizzie Brown (NZL) Playtime NZPH 54, 42; Neil Spratt (NZL) Fernhill Quality Street 76.8, 70.

CCI *** (after dressage phase): Christopher Burton (AUS) Underdiscussion 31.8 penalty points, 1; Tim Boland (AUS) GV Billy Elliot 35.2, 2; Ingrid Klimke (GER) Tabasco 35.8, 3. Also: Mark Todd (NZL) Conair 39.6, 6; Andrew Nicholson (NZL) Viscount George 40, 7; Lizzie Brown (NZL) Henton Attorney General 41.8, 11; Jonelle Richards (NZL) Mere Oak 45.4, =18; Jonelle Richards (NZL) The Deputy 45.4, =18; Caroline Powell (NZL) Thornfield Jones 52.8, 49; Lucy Jackson (NZL) Kilcoltrim Ambassador 54.6, 55; Neil Spratt (NZL) Elton II, 58; Juliet Wood (NZL) Bold Trader 60.8, 82.