Brits dominate on second day of CCI4*-L dressage with a new leader *H&H Plus*

Find out how the leaderboard has changed yet again at Bicton...

Nicola Wilson and Deirdre Johnston, James Lambert OBE and Jo Lambert’s 10-year-old gelding JL Dublin (pictured) cruised into top spot after their dressage test in the CCI4*-L  at Bicton Horse Trials, supported by Chedington. The pair are the only combination to score lower than 29 so far, posting a 28.7.

“I’m very pleased — I thought he probably did one of his nicest tests,” Nicola said afterwards. “He’s getting stronger and learning his job all the time and so we’re looking forward to seeing what happens.”

Laura Collett and Mr Bass then went into the arena, but didn’t quite manage to pip Nicola to the post, scoring 29.2, which is good enough for second at this stage.

“Ultimately he was good and he tried really hard,” Laura said of the 13-year-old, owned by herself, Lyn How, Louise Scott, Keith Scott and Nick How. “He’s not built for dressage and he’s found it difficult all his life, but we can’t ask for more than going in and trying his best.  There were a couple of hops in the flying-changes and he definitely struggles with those, but I’m really happy with him.”

Laura Collett and Mr Bass Credit: Peter Nixon

Pippa Funnell’s two rides, Billy Walk On and Maybach are now third and fifth respectively on 29.4 and 29.7, with Piggy March separating the two on Brookfield Quality on 29.6. Laura’s other CCI4*-L ride, Dacapo, who led the way in the early stages of competition yesterday, is currently in sixth with Vanir Kamira, Piggy’s other ride in this section in seventh on 29.9. Just 1.7 penalties cover the top 10 at this stage.

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Read the full report from Bicton in the 17 June issue of Horse & Hound magazine and keep checking back to horseandhound.co.uk for further updates and insight

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Gemma Redrup

H&H features, racing and point-to-point editor

Gemma is an experienced journalist, having been part of the H&H team since 2014, who is passionate about all equestrian sports, including racing and point-to-pointing. She has enjoyed riding out for top trainers Nicky Henderson and Charlie Appleby and took part in a charity Flat race at in August 2018. Gemma’s reporting talents have taken her to numerous five-star events around Britain and Europe, as well as European championships.