Lexington, Kentucky --- New Zealand's Andrew Nicholson is leading following the conclusion of the first phase of dressage at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, Presented by Bayer.

Nicholson, 40, earned the low penalty score of 34.4 for his performance riding Mallards Treat for the first time in competition.

"I was very pleased when I left the arena," said Nicholson, who represented New Zealand at the 1992 and 1996 Olympic Games. "He did everything he could and I pushed all the right buttons."

The third last rider to perform the dressage test from a strong field of 53 competitors, Nicholson overtook the lead from 2000 Olympic Champion David O'Connor of The Plains, VA.

The Sydney Olympic gold medalist got off to a strong start on the opening day of competition when he led with a score of 37 penalty points riding Giltedge. The 15-year-old Irish-bred gelding owned by Jacqueline Mars carried O'Connor to team gold and individual silver medals at the 1999 Pan American Games as well as his 1996 silver and 2000 bronze Olympic team medals.

Another New Zealand representative, Bryce Newman, is sitting in third position with a score of 37.8 riding Dunstan Inishturk.

Kimberly Vinoski, 27, who was last year's leader following the dressage phase, is in fourth position this year with a different mount, Jerry McGerry. Rounding out the top five is 1996 and 2000 Olympic team gold medalist Phillip Dutton of Australia riding his Sydney partner, House Doctor.

Saturday brings the challenging cross-country phase of the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. Designed by Michael Etherington-Smith, who also had the honors in Sydney, the cross-country promises to be a true test of athleticism for the field that contains numerous Olympians representing seven countries.

"I think it's tougher than Sydney in a lot of ways," said O'Connor. "It's not one where you're going to be able to save it if something goes wrong."

The Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, which serves as the U.S. Equestrian Team (USET) Four Star Eventing Championship, is the only Olympic-level three-day event held in North America. Competition concludes on Sunday with the final phase of stadium jumping.

Full results are available on the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day event website, www.rk3de.org

Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, Presented by Bayer Results Following Dressage

Rider / Home / Horse / Penalties
1. Andrew Nicholson - New Zealand - Mallards Treat - 34.4
2. David O'Connor - The Plains, VA - Giltedge - 37.0
3. Bryce Newman - New Zealand - Dunstan Inishturk - 37.8
4. Kimberly Vinoski - Scottsville, VA - Jerry McGerry - 38.4
5. Phillip Dutton - Australia - House Doctor - 39.6