Bicton Arena (3), Devon
DESPITE battling rainstorms over the weekend, riders in Bicton’s international classes were full of praise for the undulating cross-country course, including Rathbones CCI3*-L section B winner Andrew Nicholson.
The New Zealander steered nine-year-old Monbeg Exclusive to victory in the long-format class, adding 1.2 time-penalties across country to their dressage of 28.2.
“I have been competing him since 2019 and he came from my friend and Italian rider Stefano Brecciaroli,” said Andrew. “He got him as a three-year-old from Ireland; we often swap around horses and I go over every year and work with him.
“Monbeg Exclusive has gone up the grades really well. We did the CCI3*-L at Lignières at the end of last season, he went well but it was probably a bit too early for him. He’s a straight-forward horse with a great mind and is a good galloper, which suits Bicton.”
The son of OBOS Quality 004 is up for sale.
“I am buying to sell more these days, as I am not getting any younger,” Andrew quipped. “He would be a nice one to keep, but I will try to sell him first.”
Frenchman Gaspard Maksud and Zaragoza II finished 1.9 penalties adrift, with Heidi Coy (Carrigsean Tigerseye) in third.
“Gaspard was at my yard when he first came over from France and he has now built up a strong team of horses,” added Andrew. “He had beaten me in a few one-day events leading up to Bicton, so I thought I can’t let him also beat me in an international class!”
The cross-country in the CCI3*-L produced 76.7% clear rounds.
Recently qualified chartered accountant Lauren Innes secured AJ’s Equestrian Boutique CCI3*-S section C with her own 10-year-old Global Fision M.
Continue reading your story on the app
Continue reading your story in the magazine
New Year Honours for those who change people's lives
Bob Champion and leading figures in racing, the Riding for the Disabled Association and equine therapy are named
New horizons
Covid has put huge pressure on the job market, but some horse owners have diversified and reaped the benefits of different roles, writes Stephanie Bateman
Sports psychologist
Michael Caulfield on why any form of sport helps make a person whole
High And Mighty
The dun gelding took consecutive Badminton titles in the 1950s, and put the “glamour girl” of eventing Sheila Willcox on the map. Madeleine Silver charts his swift – and turbulent – rise to the top
Katy Green
The showing rider draws huge inspiration from her mentors and has big plans for the working hunter scene. Alex Robinson checks in with Katy Green to find out how she juggles business and competition
First ladies
Male and female riders may now compete as equals, but a few skilled horsewomen paved the way in a historically masculine sport, finds Jennifer Donald
Louise Hoadley
The East Essex hunt secretary is the first person to offer a helping hand, and has passed her love of hunting on to her “mad keen” daughter
Aimee Devane
The mountain and moorland specialist on pursuing her dreams, her laid-back personality and what motivates her to get out of bed in the morning
Better out than in
A diseased or damaged molar that is beyond repair is best removed, but how? Neil Townsend MRCVS explains
7 ways top riders deal with nerves
Even the world’s elite riders aren’t immune to competition nerves. Martha Terry discovers how they channel their jitters into a winning performance
FUMING COSBY RAISES A STINK!
Refusing to shower with other cons
BEATRICE SINKS DAD ANDREW'S SEX ALIBI!
Daughter can’t recall party prince claims proves he wasn’t with Epstein’s teen slave
MARTHA COMES CLEAN AT LAST!
Still doesn’t talk to ex-hubby & has fond memories of federal prison
Warrior
CINEMAX Presents The Tong Wars Drama Series WARRIOR, based on the writings of Martial Arts Legend Bruce Lee
PRINCE ANDREW'S SECRET EPSTEIN IMMUNITY DEAL!
Saving himself by selling out old pal Ghislaine Maxwell in teen sex scandal
SHEARWATER - Speedy Shearwater creates new opportunities for offshore research
The scientists at Duke University Marine Lab had a good idea what they wanted in a new research vessel. It had to be quick enough to keep pace with the speedy pilot whales, and efficient enough for voyages well offshore.
PRINCE ANDREW PANIC!
Epstein madam’s SECOND deposition details their nights with teen ‘sex slave’
What now?
Thomas needs to step up or risk being labeled a bust
ANDREW'S BACK IS AGAINST THE WALL!
Flunks lie test as new links to pedophile Epstein are made public
MAJOR LEAGUE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR - CLOSE CALL
Tony Gonsolin blends present value and future potential like few other rookies in a jam-packed field