World number one Andrew Nicholson aboard Quimbo leads the CIC*** 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 Quimbo sit on 35.1 penalty points at the front of the 70-strong field, with Piggy French (GBR) and West Side just behind on 36.3.
Mark Todd and Leonidas II are the best of the rest of the Kiwis in 11th spot on 47.4.
The Aussies have control of the CCI***, with Christopher Burton and the New Zealand produced horse Underdiscussion, who is still co-owned by Christine Weal, in the lead on 31.8, just ahead of compatriot Tim Boland on GV Billy Elliott on 35.2.
Todd is the best of the New Zealanders, sitting in sixth spot on 39.6 with Conair, with Nicholson and Viscount George seventh on 40 in the 90-strong field.
Tonight’s cross country is said to be a challenging one and will no doubt play a key roll in rearranging both leaderboards. The showjumping is set to run on Sunday evening (NZ time).
Results -
CIC *** British Championship class for 8 and 9 year old horses (after dressage phase): Andrew Nicholson (NZL) Quimbo (owned by Deborah Sellar) 35.1 penalty points 1, Piggy French (GBR) West Side 36.3 2, Bettina Hoy (GER) Designer 10 40.8 3, Mark Todd (NZL) Leonidas II (owned by Diane Brunsden, Peter Cattell and Todd) 47.4 =11, Caroline Powell (NZL) Onwards and Upwards (owned by Cameron and Mary Crawford and Powell) 52.2 =32, Jonelle Richards (NZL) Wesko (owned Christina Knudsen) by 52.5 =34, Lizzie Brown (NZL) Playtime NZPH (owned by Chris Ellis) 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, Mark Todd (NZL) Conair 39.6 6, Andrew Nicholson (NZL) Viscount George (owned by Robin and Nicola Salmon) 40 7, Lizzie Brown (NZL) Henton Attorney General 41.8 11, Jonelle Richards (NZL) Mere Oak (owned by Lucy and Ben Sangster) 45.4 and Jonelle Richards (NZL) The Deputy (owned by Lucy and Ben Sangster and Christina Knudsen) 45.4 =18, Caroline Powell (NZL) Thornfield Jones 52.8 49, Lucy Jackson (NZL) Kilcoltrim Ambassador (owned by the Sprout Syndicate) 54.6 =55, Neil Spratt (NZL) Elton II =58, Juliet Wood (NZL) Bold Trader 60.8 =82.
