Nicholson's Winning Run Continues

For immediate release

August 15, 2011

Nicholson's Winning Run Continues

Andrew Nicholson's winning run has continued, with victory overnight at the International Hartpury Horse Trials in the UK.

Aboard Mr Cruise Control, Nicholson won the CIC***, with Caroline Powell on Boston Two Tips ninth. The world championships individual and team bronze medallist was equal first heading into the cross country, and only incurred time faults over a very challenging Eric Winter-designed cross country course that saw 33 of the 69-strong field either withdrawn or eliminated before or during it.

Powell was 24th going into the final leg and also only incurred time penalties, pulling her right up the field.

Nicholson's also finished seventh in the CIC*** section D on Henry Tankerville.

His victory comes hot on the heels of his success in the British Open Championship at Gatcombe just a week ago.

Equestrian Sports New Zealand high performance director Sarah Harris says Nicholson's results underline the quality, commitment and class of this very seasoned campaigner.

“He's putting a big emphasis on chasing those wins now, and it shows,” she says.

She also praised Powell's ninth finish, which Harris described as a great result for a young horse coming through.

“It highlights the quality back up she has in her stable.”

Hartpury was the last big competition before the top-ranked Burghley Horse Trials, which starts September 1.

“Burghley is our key targeted competition for this half of the international season, so it was important for our riders to really push themselves over a big track this weekend,” says Harris.

New Zealand results,

CIC*** section C: Andrew Nicholson, Mr Cruise Control, 39.8 dressage, 0 sj, 5.6 cross country, 45.4 total, 1; Caroline Powell, Boston Two Tips, 49.6, 4, 0, 9.2, 62.8 9; Jonathan Paget, Clifton Razz, 56.1, 0, 22.4, 78.5 19; Craig Nicolai, Just Ironic, 58.7, 16, 10, 84.7 23;

Blyth Tait, Santos II, 47.3, 28, 17.2 92.5 29; Jonelle Richards, Flintstar, 56.7, 4, 32.4, 93.1 30.

CIC*** section D: Andrew Nicholson, Henry Tankerville 46.4 dressage, 0 sj; 11.2 cross country, 57.6 total 7; Anne-Marie Styles, As You Like It, 57.9, 4, 46, 107.9 33.

CCI* section A: Jonathan Paget, Obos Kristoff 48.6 dressage, 4 sj, 0 cross country, 52.6 total 7; Jonathan Paget, Clifton Signature 50.9, 4, 0, 54.9 11; Dan Jocelyn, Viscount Oscar, 56.7, 0, 0, 56.7 18.

ends

© Scoop Media