MARLBOROUGH-based Frenchman Astier Nicolas claimed the first of the Event Rider Masters titles at the Chatsworth International Horse Trials on Sunday.

The 27-year-old was one of 40 riders competing in the new format for eventing with a prize fund of £50,000 up for grabs.

Nicolas, riding Piaf De B’Neville, led a French domination in Derbyshire as he landed first prize ahead of fellow countryman Thibaut Vallette and Karim Laghouag who finished in second and third place, riding Qing Du Briot and Entebbe De Hus respectively.

“It’s amazing to win the first leg of ERM and I am delighted for my horse Piaf De B’Neville,” said Nicolas.

“His show jumping and cross country was spot on today. It was hard to make the time here at Chatsworth so I expected that the winner would need to post a quick cross country and the final leader board could change dramatically.

“This new competition format means you ride it more like a three day event rather than one day and the crowds getting behind the riders has created a really big atmosphere across all three phases.

“The big aim for this horse is the Olympics this summer and this weekend’s competition has been an excellent preparation for that.”

Following the dressage and show jumping, Lower Stanton St Quintin’s Kitty King held a commanding lead, but an incident in the start box of the cross country cost her expensive time faults moving her right down the final order.

After a faultless show jumping Marlborough-based Nicolas started out on cross country in second and wasted no time with Piaf De B’Neville as the pair secured the lead after crossing the finish line with just 6.8 time penalties. Four former European champions headed a stellar line up in the first leg of the ERM to the delight of event director Alice Fox-Pitt who sees a bright future for the series with Bramham up next before Barbury Castle plays host in July.

“What an incredible weekend of sport,” she said.

“The riders have delivered, the horses raised their game and the engagement with ERM across all platforms has been astounding.

“We can’t believe how strong the French challenge was, they certainly have sent out a warning shot to other nations ahead of Rio.

“What a venue Chatsworth is to showcase elite athletes at their best. Roll on leg two of ERM at Bramham.”

Meanwhile, David Doel, from Reybridge, secured victory in the 1* class, riding his own Cracker Jack II.

Doel finished just .2 of a mark in front of Great Britain senior rider Izzy Taylor and ahead of the Nicolas.

The second leg of the ERM is at Bramham International Horse Trials, June 9-12. For more information visit www.eventridermasters.tv.