Armada. Photo / Reuters
Badminton - Andrew Nicholson had a forgettable day at the Badminton horse trials in England when he was forced to retire both his horses during the testing cross-country.
The Kiwi's two starters, Armada and Silbury Hill, are relatively inexperienced at the top four-star level and found the technically
difficult cross-country course too much for them at this stage of their careers.
The setback should not affect Nicholson's preparation for August's Olympic Games, where the equestrian events will be held in co-host city Hong Kong, as his team stars were not entered for the arduous Badminton event.
In cool conditions, ideal for eventing, most of the old brigade of stars were swept aside as newer riders came to the fore. Current European Champion Nicholas Touzaint, of France, riding Hildago de L'Ile, showed perfect form to jump one of the faster clear rounds, rising from his overnight position of ninth to first.
With just the final phase of show jumping to come, he looks well placed to be the first continental European winner of the event since 1951.
Caroline Powell rode the best round for New Zealand on her consistent team horse, Lenamore.
She jumped clear with 7.6 time faults to move up from 19th to seventh. Under the watchful eye of Olympic selector Paul O'Brien and team trainer Erik Duvander, Powell rode both her horses with her usual flair and determination, jumping two of the 30 clear rounds on the day.
Her performance should stand her in good stead for Olympic team selection, which will be announced in June.
Joe Meyer is in 18th and 37th places. Annabel Wigley and Black Drum also jumped a clear round with 13.2 time faults, moving up from 15th to 12th.
Overnight leader Andrew Hoy was eliminated following a nasty fall at the brush corner fence in Huntsman's Close, where Moon Fleet crumpled and fell to the ground on landing.
A similar fate befell the second-placed combination Ruth Edge and Muschamp Impala, who fell spectacularly into the water.
Hoy suffered minor damage to shoulder ligaments but neither horse was injured.
Well down the field were Pippa Funnell, Mary King, Clayton Fredericks, all of whom had problems on the cross-country.
- NZPA
