The Bicton Arena International 5*, known for sponsorship reasons as the Chedington Bicton Park 5* Horse Trials was a Concours Complet International (CCI) 5* eventing competition held as a one-off replacement for the Burghley Horse Trials in 2021, following the cancellation of both UK 5* events in 2020 and 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic. The event was won by Gemma Tattersall riding Chilli Knight.
Location and design The event was held at Bicton Arena, an established equestrian venue which already hosts a 4* competition, located on Clinton Devon Estates land at Bicton House, Devon, England.
The arena already hosts a CCI 4* event over very challenging undulating terrain, and the 5* course was designed by Captain Mark Phillips, a former Olympic gold medallist in eventing.
The cross-country course proved challenging with 12 riders retiring or being eliminated during the cross-country phase - over one third of all competitors.
Only two riders completed the cross-country phase clear inside the time allowed, with Oliver Townend also being inside the time, but with 11 jumping penalties.
Participation 32 riders took part in the event, with 18 completing the event.
Countries represented were: Great Britain – Gemma Tattersall, Pippa Funnell, Piggy March, Rosalind Canter, Richard P Jones, Oliver Townend, Felicity Collins, Francis Whittington, Angus Smales, Louisa Lockwood, Harry Mutch, Will Rawlin, Izzy Taylor, William Fox-Pitt, Simon Grieve, Georgie Spence, David Doel, Richard Skelt, Michael Owen Ireland – Padraig McCarthy, Joseph Murphy, Sarah Dowley New Zealand – Tim Price, James Avery Australia – Sammi Birch, Sam Griffiths Canada – Michael Winter Sweden – Malin Josefsson
Results The results were: +PositionRiderHorseDSJXCTotalNotes1Gemma TattersallChilli Knight27.90.000.0027.902Pippa FunnellBilly Walk On23.90.004.8028.70Second ride3Piggy MarchVanir Kamira25.58.400.0033.904Rosalind CanterPencos Crown Jewel27.18.007.6042.705Pippa FunnellMajas Hope27.44.0015.2046.60First ride6Richard JonesAlfies Clover335.208.8047.00 D = Dressage, SJ = Showjumping, XC = Cross Country
References
External links Official site