WILTSHIRE-BASED Frenchman Astier Nicolas is looking for a strong showing at the Barbury Horse Trials next month to maintain his place at the head of the new Event Rider Masters series.

The competition is a new CIC*** series which incorporates six legs at iconic British events, with Barbury, which runs from July 7-10, the next on the calendar.

Nicolas, who is based in Stockley, near Calne, tops the leaderboard heading to event three at Barbury, following his victory at the Chatsworth House in May and a 10th-placed finish at Bramham Park last weekend.

However, with Nicolas just one point ahead of American Clark Montgomery in the standings, the 27-year-old hopes to make his adopted home advantage count at Barbury.

“It’s important that you try to perform well at all the events as all the results count towards the final placing,” said Nicolas.

“It is really close so I hope the horses keep on improving so I can keep hold of this good position but so far, we just don’t know what is possible for this season.

“I am always looking forward to Barbury, it is one of my favourite events. It is local, so it is very easy to get to and it’s always a good competition as well.

“I think it is a course that suits me. The course design is challenging but it is good for the spectators and I know they love to come to Barbury and see the horses and they always enjoy the show.”

A good result at Barbury could be vital for Nicolas if he is to be crowned overall champion as, should he make the French Olympic team, he would be ruled out of the following event at Gatcombe Park in August.

Nicolas is currently the top-ranked French rider in the FEI world rankings and says securing a debut Olympic berth in Rio would be a dream come true.

“It’s good to be at the top already, rather than trying to chase other people because there is a chance I am going to miss two legs,” said Nicolas.

“I have got a good chance to go to the Olympics, so I am going to miss Gatcombe, and there is another leg that is during my brother’s wedding. I could miss two legs, which is one-third of the series, so I had better make the most of the rest.

“I would be very excited if I got the chance to go to the Olympics. I have never made it to the Olympics before so I don’t know how I would feel if I made it but I will try to my best to get there.

“I would love to make the French team every year but obviously, to make it in an Olympic year would be very special.

“I know I am close but I know there are several riders still really in contention. It’s a tricky one and I know the last trial we have in two weeks’ time is going to be decisive.”