Laura Collett and her two-time Olympic team gold medallist London 52 triumphed in the TopSpec CCI4*-S at Bicton International Horse Trials on Sunday (25 May) and led Britain to victory in the first leg of the 2025 FEI Eventing Nations Cup.
Gemma Stevens on Chilli King, who finished 14th, Barnie Brotherton on DHI King Nelson, eighth, and Selina Milnes on Cooley Snapchat, fifth, completed the British quartet (pictured above).
“There’s so many highlights to mention, with some lovely young horses that will have gone away from here with a really good experience,” said technical director and eventing performance manager Richard Waygood.
“It has been great to get Barnie on to the team, giving him a wonderful opportunity and he has really shone from beginning to end, which is great for the future. All in all, it’s been a great day for the team and lots of exciting prospects.”
The US team finished second ahead of New Zealand in third.
‘Luckiest girl in the world’
Laura led the CCI4*-S from the start on a dressage score of 18.5 — a record score for Bicton. She was also third on Dacapo.
This result is a repeat of her first and third placings here on the same horses in 2023.
“All my horses have been incredible, but when I get on [London 52] I get quite emotional because he is just unbelievable,” said Laura, who recorded the fastest cross-country clear of the day for 2.4 time penalties.
“I’m just the luckiest girl in the world to have a horse like him. What he has done for my career has been beyond imaginable.
“He loves performing in front of a crowd and is at his happiest when people are clapping and cheering, so he’s a happy boy today.”
New Zealand’s Samantha Lissington finished second on Lord Seekonig, while Britain’s Kitty King and Vendredi Biats claimed fourth.
Barratt’s big moment
Elizabeth Barratt was crowned the Succeed British Young Rider Champion on the 14-year-old Big Boss Melo.
‘’It means so much to me,” said Elizabeth about the win.
“It’s so special, and not something that I ever thought would happen. There are so many amazing young riders at the moment and it’s amazing to be able to compete against them.’’
Ros Canter, fresh from a brilliant Badminton victory a fortnight ago, added another trophy to her cabinet with a win on Silvesters Finesse in the Symonds & Sampson CCI3*-L.
She was also third on Armscote Explorer, with Yasmin Ingham piloting Kinda Corvett into the runner-up spot.
“I’m over the moon. This year both horses have come out and started to really show that they’re top class,” said Ros.
“I’m delighted for Silvester Finesse’s owner, who sadly isn’t at Bicton today. She has been very supportive and so I’m really pleased for this result with her.”
King finishes on top
Kitty King led throughout to win the Equilume CCI2*-L aboard Dassett Flight Path.
Tom McEwen was second on Brookfield Danny De Muze, with Laura Collett and Cooley Iceage in third.
“He’s learnt a lot at this event,” said Kitty. “He’s just come out and performed at every phase; he’s not let me down or himself down and been a little trooper all week.”
Around 180 horses were campaigned at the Devon event, at which an oak tree was planted earlier in the week in memory of event rider Georgie Campbell.
The cross-country course, which was designed by Helen West, and the good going received plenty of praise from riders.
“It’s been a real pleasure to watch so many horses, both experienced and novice, enjoying themselves,” said Helen.
“This is what the sport is all about, and we’ve had really exciting competitions and been lucky enough to have seen both established stars and ones to watch for the future.”
Main image by ESP Photographic
