Andrew Nicholson wins Saumur International on Avebury

Nicholson's first ride, Mr Cruise Control, had run out at a double of hedges during Saturday's cross-country but Avebury made no such mistake.

Avebury is a son of the great eventing stallion Jumbo, which Nicholson also competed, and was one of only eight home inside the time in humid conditions.

French Olympian Arnaud Boiteau was second on Expo du Moulin, with Bill Levett third on Hyppolyte. Both benefitted from the final day capitulation of Clayton Fredericks, who had finished the cross-country within two penalties of Nicholson but suffered an expensive show jumping round on Poilu, with five down; Poilu had jumped cleanly at all four UK prep events.