THERE was drama right until the last at Badminton Horse Trials on cross-country day, when Andrew Nicholson completed proceedings as the last rider to go, writes NICKI STRONG. 

The Marlborough-based Kiwi, dubbed Mr Stickability, came unstuck from Nereo on a course that caused problems for many throughout the day. It wasn’t a good one for Nicholson, who retired other ride Quimbo earlier in the day.

Aussie rider Paul Tapner previously predicted less than five riders would make it home inside the time. In fact nobody made it home without time penalties, and only 35 combinations go through to tomorrow’s showjumping.

Tapner regained pole position when overnight leader Clark Montgomery came to grief out on course on Loughan Glen. Tapner had already piloted his mount Kilronan home clear earlier in the day and, whilst it had seemed a conservative ride at the time with some longer alternatives, in fact it proved a sensible move. He added 20.4 time penalties to his dressage score of 36.

He said: “I knew I had to conserve energy. When I knew the horse was starting to get tired I just took the pedal off. When I got to Huntsman’s close I went long there and I’m so glad I did.”

Looking ahead to tomorrow, Tapner said: “He’s a very good jumper and he’s jumped plenty of clear rounds. We’ve got to get through the trot up first, then get over those coloured poles and try to leave as many up as we can. My job is to get the horse to perform as well as he can on the day, given every single circumstance.”

Tapner has a fence in hand over Mildenhall’s Tim Price, who sits in second place on understudy Ringwood Skyboy, having expected to be more competitive with other ride Wesko, whom he parted company from in the lake. Price described Ringwood Skyboy as having travelled very well throughout and consequently they had the fastest round of the day.

Frenchman Pascal Leroy lies third with Minos De Petra, just ahead of highest placed Brit Oliver Townend and Armada.

Harry Meade had a fantastic clear on Wild Lone, just months after being told he may not ride again. They are in eighth place currently, just ahead of Ludwig Svennerstal who rode Alexander home with 18.8 time penalties.

Mark Todd and Leonidas didn’t have the smoothest of rounds but made it home clear nonetheless. Hefty time penalties meant they are back in 17th, but unfortunately NZB Campino was eliminated.

The cross-country course has proved influential as expected, coupled with wet and windy conditions that affected the going – a true four-star test. Everything to play for tomorrow, but Tapner will be in with a great shout of regaining his 2010 Badminton title.