ANDREW Nicholson was in no mood to forgive and forget after doing his level best to rescue his and New Zealand’s Olympic team eventing hopes yesterday.

Marlborough-based Nicholson rode a stunning cross-country phase on Nereo, posting the third fastest round of the day in London and becoming one of only eight riders – three of them British – to avoid time penalties by dipping under the 10-minute penalty threshold in 9:55.

That places him ninth individually going into today’s final jumping phase where the medals are to be decided, despite a disastrous dressage phase that came when Sunday’s session was suspended because of a thunderstorm while he was waiting to take to the arena.

Last night he was feeling more than a little vindicated.

“He’s the best jumper I’ve ever had,” Nicholson said. “If he jumps and I ride like I know we can, we’ve got a chance.

“I expected to go clear today and I expected to go fast – and I expect to go very well and have two clear rounds in the jumping.

“That makes it frustrating to have been handicapped in the dressage.

“But I think we can peg it back. Anyone has still got to have two clear rounds to win.”

Nicholson had blamed Olympic organisers for halting the dressage, branding the decision by the officiating grand jury “an absolute disgrace”.

But having begun yesterday 21st in the individual rankings, Nicholson was able to go some way to reviving his fortunes at Greenwich Park – even if his frustration with the officials remains.

“Even if I win I won’t get over it,” he said. “My attitude towards those who organise this hasn’t changed. I just love the sport and it was a disgrace.

“My horse thought he was doing everyday work.”

Nicholson and compatriot Jonelle Richards form part of a New Zealand quintet who finished the day fourth in the team standings, although Richards endured a tough day and was unable to avoid penalties.

She said: “The course rode as tough and gritty as we thought. “It’s not the sort of track I’m used to riding – the fences were manageable but it’s a matter of the time and handling the terrain.

“I would have liked to go a fraction quicker.” Meanwhile, the Australia team were headed in the other direction, dropping from second to sixth.

Little Cheverell residents the Fredericks had a torrid time with Clayton and Bendigo eliminated and wife Lucinda’s slow time leaving her 43rd individually.

Their team-mate Andrew Hoy, on Rutherglen, fell foul of penalties but was still 15th best individually.

He said: “The London crowd was fanstatic – Rutherglen was set alight by the atmosphere and we had to slow down.

“The Aussies are still in it and will not be through a lack of trying if we do not win gold.”

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