The New Zealand equestrian Tim Price has finished second behind world No.1 Michael Jung of Germany at the Burghley Horse Trials in the United Kingdom.
In a nail-biting finish, Price and Ringwood Sky Boy went clear in the all-important showjumping phase, meaning Jung had to do the same to win.
The New Zealand equestrian Tim Price. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The reigning Olympic and European champion did that to take the win.
It was all a little deja vu for Price, who was second to Jung at the Kentucky event in April, albeit with a different horse.
Jonelle Price and Classic Moet were unlucky to take the first of the treble to slip from third to fifth place, with Sir Mark Todd and Leonidas II leaving everything in place to move up to sixth. Jock Paget and Shady Grey had a rail to finish in 16th.
Tim Price picks up $111,000 as runners-up.
"He has been a horse who has been coming along all the time but never been able to produce it in the ring at this level, so obviously I am delighted with him," he said. "It is such a great achievement. We almost got the little fella from Germany... next time.
"The horse has excelled in all three phases. I have always said he has a couple of good days in him at this level. He is not going to be one of these out and out champion horses because of the type he is... but I do believe in him in all three phases.
Jonelle Price was philosophical about her fifth-place finish.
"It was a good round. She jumped really well," she said of Classic Moet. "Maybe I was a little bit close to the first of the treble . . . but overall, three great phases. Fifth place - I can't complain."
Todd was rapt with the efforts of Leonidas.
"He seems to be getting better and better, so I'm delighted," he said.
And Paget too was pleased with Shady Grey.
"I was really happy and he tried his best for me," he said.
In all, 53 horses passed the final horse inspection, after two big phases in the dressage and cross country.