LOCKING IN A ONE-TWO

PHOEBE LOCKE was on cracking form at Bicton (1), scoring a one-two in the open intermediate with John Dean’s Bellagio Declyange (pictured) and her own Cooley Challenger respectively.

This was a first run of the season for Phoebe, who has recently relocated from her parents’ home in Somerset to set up on her own in Gloucestershire.

“I felt it was time to make the move, and the new yard – originally Carl Hester’s base – has fantastic facilities and will allow me to expand my string and hopefully attract new owners,” explained Phoebe, who already has an enviable string, headed by last year’s Strzegom CCI4*-S winner, Pica D’Or.

Bellagio Declyange, a smart 10-year-old who finished eighth in last year’s eight- and nine-year-old CCI4*-S at Burnham Market (2), will likely head back to Bicton for the under-25 championship when the event runs the Bramham replacement fixture in June.