Badminton Horse Trials
Touzaint's joy at historic triumph
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| Champion: Nicolas Touzaint |
Nicolas Touzaint broke down in tears after today becoming the first ever Frenchman to win the Badminton Horse Trials.
The European champion, who was leading overnight, won the most illustrious equestrian title in the world on Hildago De L'ile after recovering from a shaky start in the final show jumping stage to claim the trophy with 48.4 penalty points.
And Touzaint, fighting back the tears, said: "I would have been happy with a top five finish so to win was incredible.
"It was my dream to win here.
"Many people didn't like this horse at the beginning but now they've seen what he can do."
Chippenham's Harry Meade was Wiltshire's best-placed finisher, in 13th on Midnight Dazzler.
Fellow Chippenham resident Beanie Sturgis came next in 27th on Monarch's Rock, with Paul Tapner just one place behind her in 28th on Inonothing.
Debutant Georgie Spence, also from Chippenham, finished 30th on Running Brook, with Meade one place behind her on his second ride, Birthday Night.
Andrew Nicholson and Little Cheverell-based Clayton Fredericks retired on the cross country stage.
3:07pm Sunday 4th May 2008
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