Rider Biographies

Craig Nicolai

Country: New Zealand

Age: 46

New Zealander Craig was born in Palmerston North and raised in Rotorua. When he was 10 Craig was given a 13.2hh dun called Little Chief, who he competed in the Pony Club. Craig tackled his first advanced event at the age of 17 and in 2004 he won the National Advanced Championships and took second place in the World Cup Qualifier at Kihikihi, which earned him a place in the World Cup final in Pau. After an injury to his horse, Bush Ranger, prevented him from competing in the finals, Craig relocated to the UK where he is now runs Cane End Stud in Reading. This is a second Burghley for Craig, who will partner his own and Anne Nicolai’s Just Ironic. The gelding was imported in 2006 from breeder Virginia Caro, who also bred Bush Ranger.

Notable Achievements

• 2011 – Hartpury CIC*** 23rd Just Ironic
• 2010 – Chatsworth CIC*** 17th Just Ironic
• 2009 – Blenheim CCI*** 20th Just Ironic
• 2007 – Thirlestane CIC*** 20th Just Ironic
• 2004 – Wairarapa CIC*** 1st Bush Ranger
• 2004 – Kihikihi CIC*** 2nd Bush Ranger
• 2002 – Taupo CCI*** 7th Bush Ranger
• 2002 – Wairarapa CIC*** 8th Bush Ranger