Fox-Pitt held off Andrew Nicholson by one fence

He won by a fence from Andrew Nicholson to secure Olympic qualification for him and his horse Tamarillo.

Less than a fence behind before the showjumping, Nicholson's two errors with two time faults gave Fox-Pitt the breathing space he needed.

"I could've had four down and qualified for the Olympics, but the selectors wouldn't have taken me," said Fox-Pitt.

He was poised to pull out Tamarillo on Saturday until officials extended the time on the steeplechase course, where the going was heavy and holding.

"I could not qualify with more than 36 time penalties (on the speed and endurance phase)," added Fox-Pitt.

"That was easy to achieve in the muddy conditions. I never thought I would win this but every cross country fence happened as I had dreamt it.

"Tamarillo is bred to go on sand but I think he must be half feline."

Bumble Thomas came from 14th in the dressage to finish third on The Psephologist and looks a likely new contender for Olympic consideration.

Placings:

1 Tamarillo (W Fox-Pitt, GB) 70.4 pen
2 Lord Killinghurst (A Nicholson, Nzl) 75 pen
3 The Psephologist (B Thomas, GB) 77.8 pen
4 Comanche (J Robinson, GB) 78 pen
5 Mr Pracatan (A Hoy, Aus) 79 pen
6 Private Colin (S Griffiths, Aus) 81.2 pen
7 Over To You (J Brakewell, GB) 81.4 pen
8 The Wexford Lady (S Cutteridge, GB) 82 pen
9 Mallards Treat (M Wright, GB) 86.6 pen
10 Exclusive Imp (S Cutteridge) 87.2 pen