Andrew Nicholson takes Gatcombe title

Andrew Nicholson has added yet another hat-trick to his arsenal of achievements, claiming his third British Eventing Open title at Gatcombe Park (1 August).

‘Deserves the win’

Andrew and Avebury were in second place after the dressage, behind Francis Whittington who rode a great test onboard Easy Target. However the Kiwi added just 0.4 time penalties on the cross-country to move into the top spot with a final score of 38.5pen.

“I am very pleased,” said Nicholson. “Avebury is a good horse and has been second here in the open before. He deserves the win. He’s a very economical jumper who doesn’t waste any time over the fences, and felt very comfortable round here.”

National champion

Francis was second after incurring 4.4 time penalties across country, which left him on a total 40pen – and just 1.5 points off the leader.

However, as the leading British rider, Francis did take theBritish National Champion title.

Louise Harwood was third with Whitson (43.3pen), while Andrew was also seventh on Nereo (49.9pen).

Another hat-trick

Avebury, who Andrew’s reserve horse for WEG, won the CIC3* at Barbury last month (3 July) for the third consecutive year.

The 14-year-old, owned by Mark and Rosemary Barlow, is also on target for a hat-trick of Burghley wins, when he competes there with Andrew in September.