USA’s Lauren Hough took the top honours in Thursday's feature class at Hickstead, the 1.50m Bunn Leisure Trophy, riding the 12-year-old mare Adare (Royal Bravour x Burggraaf). 

Lauren. who is based in the UK for eight months of the year at her partner Captain Mark Phillips’ yard in Gatcombe, said: “I kept up a comfortable pace without going too hard to keep the horse fresh for [the Longines King George V Gold Cup on] Sunday; I didn’t take every risk,” said Lauren, who was pleased to get a win under her belt on the first day of international competition. “It’s good preparation for Sunday and I’m feeling fairly confident – you obviously need a bit of luck, too,” she said.    

Four home riders followed to complete the top five: Matthew Sampson only 0.04 seconds behind Hough aboard Jaguar vd Berghoeve (Emerald van't Ruytershof x Nabab de Reve), then Robert Smith in third, Robert Whitaker in fourth and Spencer Roe in fifth. 

The first international class of the week was this morning’s 1.45m Bunn Leisure Vase, which was won by Brazilian rider Yuri Mansur, who is based in the Netherlands. Riding the 10-year-old Inferno (Incolor x Italic des Salines), Yuri saw off opposition from France’s Benoit Cernin in second.  

“He’s amazing – he’s only been in my stable since last week, I’ve only had him for 10 days. This is actually our first class together!" said Yuri after the win.

Source: Press release from The All England Jumping Course // Picture © Jenny Abrahamsson.