The Bicton Arena International 5*, known for sponsorship reasons as the Chedington Bicton Park 5* Horse Trials was a 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.[1][2][3] The event was won by Gemma Tattersall riding Chilli Knight.
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.[4][5]
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.[6]
Participation
32 riders took part in the event, with 18 completing the event.
^Jones, Eleanot (2 July 2021). "Replacement British five-star event to run over Burghley weekend". Horse and Hound.
^"Britain's sole 5* horse trials shaping up to be a "historic event"". Horsetalk. 6 July 2021.
^"Watch the Chedington Bicton Park 5* Horse Trials on Demand". Horse and Country. 25 August 2021.
^Berendt, Tilly (18 August 2021). "'There's More Terrain Than Any 5* in the World': Take a Tour of Bicton's One-Off Track with Captain Mark Phillips". Eventing Nation.
^"Cross country course notes from course designer Captain Mark Phillips". Bicton Arena. 16 August 2021.
^"Review of the Chedington Bicton Park 5* Cross Country". 2TheBarn. 4 September 2021.
^"Bicton Five Star". Eventing Scores.
^"Bicton Arena International 5*". British Eventing.