EQUESTRIAN: Collett narrowly misses Aachen title (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

EQUESTRIAN: Collett narrowly misses Aachen title

3:18pm Saturday 7th July 2012 in Equestrian

WILTSHIRE rider Laura Collett narrowly failed in her attempt to land the eventing title at this year's World Equestrian Festival in Aachen, Germany, today.

Collett, based at Membury near Marlborough, and horse Rayef, leaders overnight following the dressage and showjumping phases, had to settle for third place.

A total of 4.4 penalties in the cross-county selection saw the British Olympic reserve rider finish on a score of 40.60.

It was the same score as Germany's reigning world and European champion Michael Jung, riding his London 2012 horse La Biosthetique Sam, but he took the runner's-up spot through having a quicker cross-country time.

Australian Christopher Burton, one of eight combinations to jump clear inside the time, won with 38.80 penalties aboard Underdiscussion, while another likely German Olympic combination - Sandra Auffarth and Opgun Louvo - were fourth.

Britain's world number one William Fox-Pitt climbed four places to sixth on Neuf des Coeurs following an immaculate cross-country display, just behind Marlborough-based New Zealander Andrew Nicholson and Nereo.

MORE SPORTS NEWS & PICTURES IN THURSDAY'S GAZETTE & HERALD AND FRIDAY'S WILTSHIRE TIMES