Nicholson leads on day one of Badminton 2015

Andrew Nicholson took up position in his usual place at the top of the leaderboard following day one of the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials.

Too good

Andrew and his 15-year-old chestnut gelding produced the only sub-40 test of the day to finish 3.4pen ahead of compatriot Jock Paget (Clifton Promise) in second.

“From start to finish it was the smoothest test I’ve done,” said the 53-year-old Kiwi. “He lets you ride him, so I can be bold and press him for maximum marks in the medium and extended strides.”

Andrew has ridden Nereo throughout his eventing career, amassing 2,380 points to date. “I know him so well and know I can take him in the arena and he’ll give me 100%,” he added. “There’s just a relationship you build with them over time and you get a great sense of achievement.

Kiwis lead the way

New Zealand riders were obviously on form today, taking up three of the top five placings thanks to Andrew, Jock and Mark Todd in fifth (Leonidas II).

Jock Paget delivered a 41.2pen test on his 2013 winner Clifton Promise. “I really liked his test – I thought it was better than the one he did two years ago. Perhaps not as energetic but more supple and relaxed,” he said.

Newcomer

In third was German rider Niklas Bschorer and the elegant Tom Tom Go. At just 20, Niklas is the youngest rider in this year’s Badminton field, and he is competing in his first four-star.

“He did a brilliant test – it could have been a bit better but I was very pleased,” he said.

British ladies

Flora Harris, 27, finished best of the Brits in fourth place with the aptly-named Amazing VIII.

A quartet of top female riders held sixth to ninth place, with Pippa Funnell, Laura Collett, Nicola Wilson and Mary King all within 10pen of the current leader.

Austrlians Chris Burton and Paul Tapner are 10th and 11th respectively, with Louisa Milne Home and the huge grey King Eider finishing on the same score as Paul to share 11th place.

Early days

But there’s bound to be a shake-up after tomorrow’s concluding day of dressage, with riders such as Ingrid Klimke, Gemma Tattersall, Oliver Townend and William Fox-Pitt all in action, plus Andrew Nicholson, Pippa Funnell, Francis Whittington, Mark Todd, Sam Griffiths and Nicola Wilson will all be back with their second horses.

Then it’s on to the cross-country, but early indications suggest it might not quite have the same huge impact as it did 12 months ago.

“It looks more inviting than last year and I think it’s doable,” was the verdict of Niklas, while Jock Paget described it as ‘big but fair’.

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