THE champagne corks were popping as Andrew Nicholson celebrated his second Bramham title in three years last weekend.

Sixty riders went forward for the action-packed event, held in the glorious setting of a sun-drenched Bramham Park.

Following the dressage phase, Daisy Dick and Springbok IV were the overnight leaders ahead of Saturday’s challenging cross-country round, with Northallerton-based Nicola Wilson relegated into second place with Master Banks. Nicola woke on Saturday to find herself in the lead before even a fence was jumped following the shock withdrawal of Daisy Dick after Springbok IV was found to have a twisted fetlock during the night.

After a clear cross-country round, an elated Nicola retained her lead going into the showjumping phase on Sunday.

Two poles down for last year’s winner William Fox-Pitt put pay to any chance he had of retaining his title. Could Nicola Wilson realise her dream and claim victory?

She cantered into the arena looking very cool and composed with Master Banks. The pair then went on to produce a super clear round.

The crowd erupted with delight for a Yorkshire win, only for the commentator to announce that she had incurred three time penalties. Elation suddenly turned to despair for Nicola, and victory was handed to Andrew Nicholson, riding Spanish-bred Nereo.

The final top 10 were:

1 Andrew Nicholson & Nereo, 2 Nicola Wilson & Master Banks, 3 Piggy French & Some Day Soon, 4 Pippa Funnell & Ensign, 5 Emily Gilruth & Ashdale Cruise Master, 6 Lucy Holliday & High Times, 7 William Fox-Pitt & Cool Mountain, 8 Melanie Wilder & Minuteman, 9 Sian Wynne Morris & Just Appeal, 10 Jo Meyer & Clifton Lush