LOCAL rider Andrew Nicholson, has set his sights on winning his sixth title at the St James' Place Barbury International Horse Trials. The clash takes place in Marlborough from July 6 to 9. 

Sixteen nations are represented with over 1000 horse and rider combinations competing, featuring some of the best in the world. 

Based at Lockeridge, near Marlborough, Andrew Nicholson is the current world number two.

Nicholson will take eight horses with him, including his 2017 Badminton hero Nereo who, at seventeen years young, will aim to defend his Leg 3 Event Rider Masters (ERM) crown.

“Nereo is ready for Barbury. We have been cantering him and other Barbury-bound horses on the estate’s all-weather gallop. This will be his first run since his Badminton win and he is in good form," Andrew said.

“The ERM series is fantastic for Eventing as it’s important for the future of the sport to reach wider audiences via the TV coverage. I expect everyone will enjoy a great showcase of Eventing action,” he added.

Another local star to look out for is the double Olympic champion Sir Mark Todd, from just outside of Swindon, and his 2016 Rio horse Leonidas II.

Tickets for the St. James’s Place Barbury International Horse Trials, from July 6 to 9, are available to book at barburyhorsetrials.co.uk until 6pm before each event day. Tickets will then be available to purchase at the gate on Friday for £10pp and on Saturday and Sunday for £20pp. Under 12s go free.