Equestrianism: Kiwis unhappy over quota decision

Mark Todd and Blyth Tait will be among those hampered by a decision to limit overseas riders to one horse at this year's Badminton Trials, with no more than five competitors allowed for each country.

The decision followed a record 151 entries for Badminton, 83 of them from British riders and the remaining 68 from competitors representing 13 overseas nations. Since the maximum number of starters is restricted to 80, some serious pruning was required.

Todd had a good outing on Kayem, one of his three Badminton entries, when finishing a close third in the Advanced Intermediate section of the Land Rover Gatcombe Horse Trials yesterday. He was, however, unhappy at having to select only one of his Badminton trio (the others are Bertie Blunt and Broadcast News) for May's big contest.

The Kiwis also object to British riders being allowed to start two horses, even though there are only four with double entries.

LAND ROVER GATCOMBE HORSE TRIALS: Advanced Intermediate: 1 Flintstone (R Powell) 35; 2 King William (M King) 37; 3 Kayem (M Todd) 37. BEIB Open Intermediate: 1 The Fun Dun (A Morris) 28; 2 Perryfields George (L Law) 29; 3 King Solomon III (M King) 30.