Upton makes her move while Cavaillon retains the lead at Defender Bramham day two

There’s a new name at the top of the Defender CCI4*-L leaderboard after two days of dressage because it’s Bubby Upton who leads the way. Riding the Five Time Syndicate and her own Its Cooley Time, who was eighth here last year in the CCI4*-S section, the Suffolk-based rider powered into the lead with a test packed full of presence and athleticism from the eye-catching grey. In the Defender CCI4*-S the top place is still in French hands in the form of Sebastien Cavaillon, while two new British names join him on the podium.

Defender CCI4*-L

Thursday leaders Sarah Bullimore and Corimiro, owned by Christopher and Susan Gillespie, Brett Bullimore and Bruce Saint, held their place for much of the morning. Three-time Bramham winner Izzy Taylor, riding Jane Timmis’s SBH Big Wall, was certainly one who could threaten the leaders, having arrived at Bramham off the back of a runner-up place at Belsay CCI4*-S last month. Their test started brightly, with the judges regularly finding the seven and eight buttons, and it was looking on song – but could it beat Sarah’s 24.6? The final centreline and halt was pure quality and the judges agreed, awarding an eight and two nines. A smile from Izzy meant it was good from her side and, as the final score appeared as 25.4, it was also good enough to take her into second, just 0.8 of a penalty behind Sarah.

The crowd didn’t have long to wait for the next leaderboard challenge because next to go were Bubby Upton and Its Cooley Time. The charismatic grey is one Bubby highly regards, but his exuberance sometimes gets the better of him. However, having been in the buzzing Bramham arena some twelve months ago, he looked at home. The duo performed in great harmony, with each movement executed with accuracy and great style – it was certainly going to challenge the top placings. As the final halt came, a huge smile erupted and, as Bubby walked out of the arena, she gave the assembled photographers a thumbs up. Then, the score was announced – it was 24.4, giving them the lead by just 0.2 of a penalty.

An obviously delighted Bubby said afterwards: “He’s a horse that’s always had an excess of talent – he is truly incredible. I can only describe him as a freak of nature, so I guess I’ve always hoped he could produce a test like that. For me, it was always my job to do him justice because I let him down a few weeks ago at Belsay and I was furious with myself. He’s an exceptional horse and he’s definitely capable of that and, even better, there’s more to come. He’s the cheekiest of chappies and this year he’s really matured. There were times when I felt ‘will he ever come good?’, but a lot of patience and hard work has really brought the best out in him. He’s forced me to be the better version of myself as a rider and that speaks volumes about him as a horse.”

For the remainder of the day, the challengers came and couldn’t quite break into the top five, so it’s Bubby Upton and Its Cooley Time who hold the advantage on 24.4, with Sarah Bullimore and Corimiro just behind on 24.6. Izzy Taylor and SBH Big Wall complete the podium on 25.4, while the lunchtime leaders on Thursday, Louise Romeike and Caspian 15 for Sweden, lie fourth on 27.4. British rising star Barnie Brotherton completes the top five on 29.4 with DHI King Nelson.

Defender CCI4*-S

In the 91-starter strong Defender CCI4*-S section, French rider Sebastien Cavaillon still holds the top spot from yesterday with Elipso de la Vigne. However, the remainder of the podium was a case of all-change, with two serious British challengers.

Just before noon, Sebastien was joined by compatriot Astier Nicholas on the podium, when he conjured a super 28.0 from Alertamalib’or to knock British Under-25 rider Tom Woodward and Low Moor Lucky down to third.

The first horse after the lunchbreak poised a huge challenge to the top placings, coming in the shape of none other than reigning World Champion Yasmin Ingham with Janette Chinn and The Sue Davies Fund’s Gypsie du Loir.  The duo has had a great spring together, including a win at the CCI3*-S at Thoresby Park and ninth at the CCI4*-S at Bicton a few weeks ago, so a dressage of 27.9 was no huge surprise. However, the Isle of Man rider was thrilled with her nine-year-old mare, who she believes has everything it takes to go to the very top of the sport.

A few combinations later, it was the turn of the horse who won this class two years ago, MCS Maverick, now in the ownership of the Maidwell Mavericks. All eyes were on him and his new jockey, Piggy March, who’d taken over the reins from Pippa Funnell. ‘Eric’ is known for being uber-talented but also quite quirky and, since his arrival at Bramham, he’s not been straightforward for Piggy in their biggest test to date.

However, Piggy learned her trade from the master who is Pippa Funnell, who had expertly produced the bay gelding, so careful management by Piggy and her team meant that he settled and delivered when it mattered most. The test wasn’t mistake-free, but the highlights were impressive and very much outnumbered the blips – all three judges were in tune with their marks, with little between them to end on a 27.5 to go into second place.

“He’s hated doing the arena familarisation and every time he’s come up to the arena, he’s felt quite anxious,” said Piggy honestly. “Last time he was here was the lap of honour when he won with Pip [Pippa Funnell] and I did ring her this morning for help. I did think to myself, ‘is this actually going to happen?’. He’s clearly sensitive, but he’s a beautiful horse and is so light and athletic and has been produced by the best rider in the world. He’s like a Duracell rabbit that goes and goes… he also pulled a shoe this morning, so I did ponder going home.

“I have had his worst in the last 24 hours, but I was really pleased [with his test] and I wasn’t going to let myself let the occasion get to me. Hopefully, we’re getting the right feel and we’re getting it right without it being a big deal,” she explained.

Going into tomorrow’s showjumping phase, less than a pole separates the top 10. It’s Sebastien Cavaillon who sits atop the rankings with Elipso de la Vigne on 26.9, with Piggy French and MCS Maverick hot on their heels, while Yasmin Ingham and Gypsie du Loir complete the top three on 27.9. In fourth is Astier Nicholas, while Tom Woodward is fifth and leading Under-25 National Championship that sits within this section.

Super Saturday

The action gets underway tomorrow at 08:30 with the Defender CCI4*-S showjumping and designer Jason Abbs has set a technical, but flowing, test for the combinations. They follow the Defender CCI4*-L section on the Andy Heffernan-designed cross-country  course, where the first horse out of the start box is at 09:00.

The Top Spec Arena is jam-packed with entertainment all day, with jumping in the form of a B&C qualifier and Pony Club classes, as well as canine action from the Kirkbourne Spaniels. In the afternoon, while cross-country action continues in the Park, the Defender Arena hosts two great jumping classes – the Bramham Classic and the Six Bar.

Of course, there’s also the 140-outlet-strong tradestand village for the shoppers, plus plenty of food outlets courtesy of Fordhall Farms.

You can buy tickets on the gate, but why not get a head-start by booking online before you arrive.

If you can’t join us in person tomorrow, Horse & Country TV will be streaming the eventing action and you can watch live or on-demand with a subscription – there are monthly and annual options and you can cancel at any time.

Follow all the action with times, scores and all the info via the Defender Bramham International Horse Trials app – just download from your preferred app store. You can catch up with on socials too – we’re on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.

The post Upton makes her move while Cavaillon retains the lead at Defender Bramham day two first appeared on Defender Bramham International Horse Trials.