Find out how the first few riders have performed in the competitive under-25 CCI4*-L class at Bicton
Up-and-coming young British rider, Bubby Upton, produced a smart and slick dressage test with her mother, Rachel Upton’s Cannavaro (pictured) to lead the first phase in the early stages of competition in the CCI4*-L under-25 at Bicton International Horse Trials, supported by Chedington. They posted a score of 28.3.
“I’m just thrilled with him — he has been getting better and better over the past couple of years, and, whatever the score is, I was delighted with him,” said 22-year-old Bubby. “It was his best test to-date this season and and so I’m very pleased with him — he tried very hard.”
Bubby bought former showjumper Cannavaro in 2017, so she said she has had to work on his flatwork.
“He obviously didn’t know anything, and then when I tried to up the elevation in his canter work, he would find that very stressful. But he’s really learnt to trust me and relax and I’m so proud of how far he’s come and how hard he tries. I don’t think he quite realises how amazing he is — we all love him to pieces and whatever happens, we’re delighted with him.”
Ailsa Wates and Woodlands Persuasion are second at the moment on a score of 31.9.
“He was good, if a little bit excited,” said Ailsa of Pip Stone’s 16-year-old. “The trot was really good and he is a really cool character. He really loves working, loves his job and he always tries so hard — he’s a bit of a geek and really likes to work.”
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French rider Barbara Sayous currently holds third place with Opposition Filmstar, a 17-year-old mare, on a score of 30.6.
“I’m really happy — she’s a little bit nervous but she was really concentrated,” said 24-year-old Barbara. “She has a nervous character, but she gives her heart to her rider and she always wants to do well.”
Another British rider, Heidi Coy is fourth after 25% of riders in this class have completed the first phase. She scored 32.9 with the nine-year-old Halenza.
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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Former web features editor, point-to-point editor and digital racing editor
Gemma is an experienced journalist, who was a member of H&H staff from 2014 to September 2025. She 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 Epsom in August 2018. Gemma’s has reported from numerous five-star events around Britain and Europe, as well as European championships.
