Equestrian: NZ eventers shine at festival

New Zealand eventers scooped the pool at the Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe Park in England overnight.

Andrew Nicholson, who celebrated his birthday earlier in the week, won the feature class aboard Nereo and was second with Avebury. Jonathan Paget and Clifton Lush were third, followed by Mark Todd on Major Milestone in fourth place.

Clarke Johnstone and Incognito finished 13th.

It is the second time world championship bronze medalist Nicholson has won the open championship, having last won the class in 2002 aboard Mallard's Treat.

Nicholson also won both sections of the advanced championship - section one aboard Calico Joe and section two on Quimbo, and was second in the novice on Omeya.


New Zealand results:

British open championship: Andrew Nicholson (Nereo) 1, Nicholson (Avebury) 2, Jonathan Paget (Clifton Lush) 3, Mark Todd (Major Milestone) 4, Nicholson (Qwanza) 11, Clarke Johnstone (Incognito) 13.

Advanced championship, section one: Nicholson (Calico Joe) 1, Nicholson (Shady Grey) 6, Neil Spratt (Hugo's There) 9, Tim Price (Sporting Hero) 24. Section two: Nicholson (Quimbo) 1, Spratt (Elton II) 10, Craig Nicolai (Just Ironic) 21.

Novice championship: Nicholson, Omeya 2.

Intermediate championship: Todd (NZB Campino) 12.