Astier Nicolas wins series opener at Chatsworth

All eyes were on the Dodson & Horrell Chatsworth International Horse Trials this weekend, which formed the first leg of the new Event Riders Masters series.

Masters at work

New to 2016, the Event Riders Masters (ERM) is an exciting series where the best horses and riders in the world compete over six legs to claim record levels of prize money.

French rider Astier Nicolas took the first leg in fantastic fashion, on a day where his nation proved to be pretty unstoppable.

Fellow French competitors Thibaut Vallette and Karim Laghouag finished second and third respectively, while their compatriot Mathieu Lemoine was fifth.

Britain’s Gemma Tattersall – who was also the highest placed Brit at Badminton – just missed out on a podium place, finishing in fourth position with Quicklook V.

Alice Fox-Pitt, director of the new series, was delighted with how the event unfolded. “What an incredible weekend of sport. The riders have delivered, the horses raised their game and the engagement with ERM across all platforms has been astounding,” she said.

Olympic hopes

Nothing could stop the French force as they dominated the leaderboard from start to finish in an event.

The CIC three-star course at Chatsworth proved a tough test, with few competitors finishing inside the optimum time.

But Marlborough-based Astier seemed to be in cruise control throughout and was thrilled with his horse’s performance. “It’s amazing to win the first leg of ERM and I am delighted for my horse Piaf De Bneville. His show jumping and cross-country was spot on today.”

He hopes the win will cement his chances of selection for the Rio Games. “The big aim for this horse is the Olympics this summer and this weekend’s competition has been an excellent preparation for that,” he said.

The next leg of the series will be held at The Equi-trek Bramham International Horse Trials 9-12 June.