NEW ZEALAND event rider Andrew Nicholson rode Libby Sellars' to win at Les Etoiles de Pau (FRA), the first leg of the 2012/2013 HSBC FEI Classics™.

Andrew was the only rider to complete on his dressage score, and his win at Pau was his fourth consecutive international victory this autumn, following Burghley, Blenheim and Boekelo, and his fourth CCI**** win in a career that has spanned some 30 years.

"This is what it's all about," said the hard-working New Zealander. "Winning one CCI**** in 10 years is pretty good and to win two in two months feels amazing.

"I'm proud to be riding such classy horses, which is what I do this sport for. Nereo is probably the best cross country horse in the world and in the jumping phase I knew that if I did my job we could win."

It was a good day for New Zealand, as Jonathan Paget, the cross country leader, finished second on the much-admired Clifton Promise with just one rail down.

Nicholson was also seventh on Mr Cruise Control.

Caroline Powell (NZL), Nicholson's Olympic team mate, was eighth on Cameron Crwaford's nine-year-old Onwards And Upwards and newcomer Alice Montgomery (NZL) was 21st on Gordon in her first CCI4*.

Michael Jung (GER) was third with Leopin FST.

William Fox-Pitt (GBR) was fourth on the youngster Bay My Hero and fifth with just one time fault on the stallion Chilli Morning.

LEADINGawards

1, Andrew Nicholson/Nereo (NZL) 39.0 + 0 + 0 = 39.0

2, Jonathan Paget/Clifton Promise (NZL) 36.7 + 0 + 4 = 40.7

3, Michael Jung/Leopin FST (GER) 38.3 + 0 + 5 = 43.3

4, William Fox-Pitt/Bay My Hero (GBR) 41.7 + 0 + 4 = 45.7

5, William Fox-Pitt/Chilli Morning (GBR) 44.7 + 0 + 1 = 45.7

6, Astier Nicolas/Jhakti du Janlie (FRA) 39.5 + 0 + 8 = 47.5

7, Andrew Nicholson/Mr Cruise Control (NZL) 45.7 + 0 + 4 = 49.7

8, Caroline Powell/Onwards And Upwards (NZL) 53.2 + 0 + 4 = 57.2

9, Richard Jones/Highland Ford (GBR) 52.8 + 6.8 + 4 = 63.6

10, Gemma Tattersall/Stormhill Kossack (GBR) 42.6 + 8 + 18 = 68.5