Angela Thompson Takes the Honours in Nupafeed Supplements Senior Discovery Second Round at Bicton

The Nupafeed Supplements Senior Discovery Second Round at Bicton Equestrian Centre attracted a competitive field of 23 rider and horse combinations, all aiming to secure one of the coveted qualification places for the British Showjumping National Championships Final. 

Set on a testing track designed by Rebecca Stansfield, the class proved a true test of accuracy and consistency. Seven combinations successfully negotiated both the first round and second round fault-free to earn their place in the decisive jump-off. 

With qualification on the line, the jump-off delivered a thrilling conclusion. It was Angela Thompson who ultimately claimed victory aboard Jamie Perryman's Onnea Vanta T. Producing a superb clear round, the pair stopped the clock in an impressive 35.75 seconds to secure top spot. 

Hot on their heels was Leigh Smallacombe riding W.F Contagious, who also delivered a faultless performance. Their time of 35.88 seconds saw them finish less than a second behind the winners to take second place. 

Third place went to Phoebe Sealey and Pauldary's Co Jo, who maintained a clear score throughout the jump-off and crossed the finish line in 42.03 seconds. 

“I recently bought the mare from Matt Butland, he came to use the school, mentioned the horse and I really liked her, she’s quite hot and forward which I like. Nea is seven but has only just started showjumping this year having had a couple of foals. She very brave, hot and keen and loves to jump, she’s a real poppet of a horse. We hadn’t realised she had her Discovery double clears, but we checked up and as I was jumping at Bicton anyway, we thought we might as well take her for the second round and she did great. 

“The class was great for Nea, it wasn’t too competitive as I think people were playing safe to get their double clears. I wasn’t thinking about the final, just riding it as if it were a normal class and she is competitive… that’s her role in life,  so we jumped a competitive round!  Leigh Smallacombe was the other really competitive rider in the class and she was just behind us, she was really quick. It was cool, and good jump off with some really tight turns, it was a long way to the last, Nea wanted to turn after the last fence so I had to get her back and through the timers!  It was really nice to jump the class on Nea, although she’s green, she is brave and has come on quite quickly already. She’s a fun, honest and keen mare, she wants to get on with the job, that’s why she’s good against the clock, she’s nippy and careful! 

“Nea has her Newcomers double clears, but she’s not quite ready for that so we will look forward to jumping the final at the National Championships in August, she’s a good fun horse rather than one for the higher levels but she’s a little winner!” Angie said. 

The results from Bicton mark another exciting chapter in this year's Nupafeed Supplements Senior Discovery Championship campaign, with riders now looking ahead to the prestigious Final at the British Showjumping National Championships.  

Nupafeed Supplements Senior Discovery - Second Round 

Bicton, Sunday 14 June 2026 

1st – Angela Thompson & Onnea Vanta T – 0/0/0 35.75 

2nd – Leigh Smallacombe & W.F Contagious – 0/0/0 35.88 

3rd – Phoebe Sealey & Pauldary’s Co Jo – 0/0/0 42.03 

NB: Qualifications will be updated pending official grading of results.      

Image: ESP Photographic