EVENT specialist Andrew Nicholson has grabbed the early CIC*** lead at the Barbury International Horse Trials today.

Marlborough-based New Zealander Nicholson, a three-time winner of the trials on horse Avebury, took command of this year’s event as he guided Nereo to 38.3 penalties in the opening dressage phase.

Nicholson, who will ride defending champion Avebury for his dressage test on Friday afternoon, holds the overnight lead from Herefordshire rider Louise Harwood and Whitson (39.6), with Nana Dalton and Abbeylara Prince, in fourth place behind French rider Mathieu Lemoine and Bart L.

Nicholson also holds a further place inside the top 10 on Cillnabradden Evo, while fellow Wiltshire riders Tom McEwen, in 11th, and Georgie Spence, 12th, also enjoyed good opening day on the Marlborough Downs.

Nicholson’s fellow countryman Sir Mark Todd heads up the CIC** section B standings, his Brownsville Bertie lying top with 38.6 penalties, 0.1 penalty point ahead of Nicholson on Loughnatousa Joey and West Littleton’s Harry Meade on Vrolijk.

Mildenhall-based Kiwi Tim Price and The Court Jester top section C with 36.1, with Britain’s William Fox-Pitt and Ramdam De Mons leading section D from Maizey Manor Farm-based compatriot Jesse Campbell and Cleveland, followed by Todd and Oloa.

Todd also leads the novice section F standings on Kincooley, ahead of McEwen on Royal Roxey and Price with Kincooley Cruising.