ANDREW Nicholson’s eyes are once again on the prize as he heads out in search of glory at the Badminton Horse Trials.

The New Zealand star, who is based in Marlborough, has pretty much won it all during his glittering career but ironically, has never taken the top prize at the world’s most famous four-star event, despite holding the record for the most completions, which currently stands at 33.

Nicholson, 53, was unable to add to that tally last year after enduring a freak poor day at the office, retiring with Nereo after a fall exiting the Mirage Pond (fence 16) whilst also suffering a run-out with Quimbo at the keyhole 13th fence.

Additionally, the Kiwi ace’s preparation for Badminton also took a blow after his top ride, three-time Burghley champion Avebury, was ruled out through injury, but, with Nereo and Calico Joe still at his disposal, Nicholson’s confidence remains as unfaltering as ever.

“Last year was difficult but that’s sport, isn’t it? Sometimes you have bad days and you take those along with the good ones,” the six-time Olympian said.

“We’ve moved on from there and this is another year. The aim remains the same, which is to try and win.

“I don’t put any extra pressure on and I have the same motivation as always – I always go out to try and win.

“I might not have Avebury but Nereo has won two out of three competitions this year (at Weston Park and Poplar Park) and Calico Joe has had some good results too.

“Sometimes horses can pick up little injuries or be struggling with viruses, and you have to ease off a bit, but there hasn’t been any of that and preparation has been great.

“We haven’t had any setbacks and I’m ready to go.”

Competition at Badminton gets underway in earnest today and a host of other Wiltshire-based competitors will be in action alongside Nicholson.

Fellow New Zealand rider and current world number three Jonelle Price, who operates out of Mildenhall, will be riding Classic Moet and The Deputy whilst husband Tim Price is entered on Ringwood Sky Boy.

Dauntsey’s Beanie Sturgis, Foxham’s Georgie Spence, Alexander Peternell, from Hinton, near Chippenham, and Elizabeth Power, who is based near Marlborough, all also make up the Wiltshire contingent.

Veteran Mark Todd, who is based at the Badgerstown complex near Swindon, rides Leonidas II and Oloa.

Join sports writer Matt Edwards for live updates from the final two days of competition at Badminton at gazetteandherald.co.uk/sport and wiltshiretimes.co.uk/sport this weekend.