NORTH Yorkshire rider Nicola Wilson is determined to grab her second chance of glory at London 2012.

Wilson and her horse, Opposition Buzz, were handed a dramatic late call-up to the Olympic eventing squad after an injury to Piggy French’s horse, DHI Topper W.

The 35-year-old, based at Morton-on-Swale, near Northallerton, was a controversial omission from the original line-up having figured for Great Britain in the last three major championships.

Following her surprise elevation from the standby list, Wilson will now compete in the individual and team three-day eventing categories.

The team line-up also includes world number one William Fox-Pitt, five-time Olympian Mary King, double Olympic bronze-medal winner Tina Cook and former world champion Zara Phillips.

Wilson, who won gold medals at the 2009 European Championships and 2010 World Equestrian Games, is expected to fulfill the role of pathfinder to get the GB team off to a flying start.

Opposition Buzz is widely regarded as one of the world’s top cross-country exponents and, despite her late call, Wilson insisted the pair would be prepared for the Olympic action.

“What an emotional roller-coaster,” she said.

“To be thinking about London now is amazing though, having very much told myself it wouldn’t happen. We will definitely be ready.”

While sympathising with her friend French, Wilson added that the build-up to the Olympics was also an exciting time for Wetherby-based Rosemary Search, the owner of Opposition Buzz.

“Obviously, I am so excited for Rosemary Search, myself and my support team, but so saddened at the same time for it to be at the expense of such a good friend,” she said.

British equestrian team leader Will Connell hailed Wilson and Opposition Buzz as a “wonderful combination”.

“Nicola and Opposition Buzz have been the pathfinders for the team at the last three championships and have an enviable championship record,” he said.