Nicholson lives up to the challenge

The thrills of eventing were brought back to the International Arena at Hickstead’s Longines Royal International Horse Show today with the Amlin Eventers’ Challenge, won once again by the formidable Andrew Nicholson.

Top three

It was excitement from the first to last competitor, as it was first drawn Tom McEwen on Cuarento that secured third place and last in Elizabeth Power, that took the runners up spot. Tom set what looked to be an unbeatable time, but true to form Andrew showed his prowess too take the crown.

Thrills and Spills

The water seemed to be the boogie fence with a few riders, including Joseph Murphy and Rose Carnegie taking a dip. The class also saw popular jockey Tina Cook fly through the air at the open ditch when Zhi Zancorgino tried to jump the bush at the side.

Back by demand

The class, which was not held in 2014 due to a change in television schedules, has been bought back due to popular demand. The course previously took the riders outside of the ring and with the class no longer being filmed and the cameras no longer able to track the riders on the croos-country phase, it was decided that it just simply wouldn’t work.

Following a change in format however the class has been reinstated and now only eventers can enter. The audiences were delighted by the action and hopefully the class will now have secured its place on the Hickstead calendar.

Interview

Watch our interview with eventing legend and winner of the Eventers’ Challenge, Andrew Nicholson and find out about his cracking horse Cillnabradden Evo and what he thought of the course that tripped so many up.