Equestrian: Win boosts Nicholson's Olympic hopes

Nicholson Olympian Andrew Nicholson says his win at the Burghley horse trials has given him a great confidence boost for the Sydney Olympics.

Nicholson picked up his second Burghley title after completing a clear showjumping ride on Mr Smiffy.

The pair finished with 53.8 penalty points, well clear of Australian Merran Wallis on Gershwin III on 60.4.

Mark Todd was the only other New Zealander to score a good result, finishing eighth on Just A Mission with a score of 72.6 after riding clear in the showjumping.

Nicholson, who also won the Burghley event in 1995, said there had been some nerves about competing so close to the Olympics, but picking up the win was "great."

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