With twelve through to the jump-off, competition in today's The Bunn Leisure Trophy at CSIO5* Hickstead was fierce – but in the end it was Britain’s Robert Smith who took the title with Ilton (Dulf van de Bisschop x Calvaro).

“I knew they’d have to run to catch him. I kept everything very tight and he’s pretty quick across the ground,” said the Yorkshireman. “My aim for him is the King George. It’s a big ask but he’s got a chance.”

Guy Williams was the only rider to beat Robert for time with his horse Rouge De Ravel (Ultimo van ter Moude x Quouglof Rouge), but he lowered a rail to drop down the order, leaving Smith in the top spot. Runner-up position went to Ireland's Anthony Condon on Zira vh Kapelhof Z (Zurich x Quickfeuer van Keokshof), a little over a second behind Smith's time while Dutch rider Willem Greve finished third on Formidable (Carambole x Calvados/Sable Rose).

Earlier this morning, Belgium’s Francois Mathy Jr won the Bunn Leisure Vase riding Falco Van De Clehoeve (Quickfeuer van Keokshof x Fellini).

“He rarely doesn’t win a class at a show. He’s a real fighter,” he said. “I love coming to Hickstead; this show is like Wimbledon is for tennis.”