In April 2020, and in the interest of legacy, I penned a Wikipedia entry recording the thoughts and notable achievements of myself as Harveywetdog. I admit I was ignorant of the rules concerning self promotion on Wikipedia at the time; consequently my entry was unfortunately, although arguably correctly, deleted and my account expunged from the system. As a result my original words and links were sadly lost but nevertheless here is an attempt at a rewrite. Perhaps when I'm gone someone will be able to enter it onto Wikipedia on my behalf, to serve as a fitting epitaph for the exciting times I spent on the Harveywetdog Project.
LAURA COLLETT & LONDON 52 TARGET HISTORIC FOURTH* STRAIGHT BICTON VICTORY
Bicton Press Release 19th May 2026
The outstanding partnership of Laura Collett and London 52, who have scored a hat-trick of wins in the showpiece TopSpec CCI4*-S at Bicton International Horse Trials, are entered again for the Devon event (28 – 31 May) where they could have a crack at a record fourth successive victory.
The Olympic gold medallists and European champions have won all three running’s of Bicton's showpiece class, in 2023, 2024* and 2025 and are at the top of their form after a convincing win at the same level at Belsay in Northumberland.
Last year, Laura also spearheaded the home team's victory in the British leg of the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ series. The world number three in eventing also competes the grey mare Hester.
The TopSpec CCI4*-S which incorporates the British leg of the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ has attracted a strong international entry, with a clutch of young riders from the US gaining experience of the European circuit, plus New Zealanders, including Tayla Mason, recently a brilliant sixth at Badminton, and Japanese and Irish riders including Devon-based Padraig McCarthy.
There will be more than 300 horses going across country over the renowned, spectacular viewing tracks at Bicton, designed by Helen West.
Two of Britain's highest ranked under-25 riders in the world, Elizabeth Barratt and Isabelle Cook, are contesting a competitive Succeed CCIY3*-L for young riders, and some of the world's top athletes, including dual Olympic gold medallist Tom McEwen and Australian Olympian Kevin McNab are bringing young horses for a 70-strong Charles Owen CCI2*-L.
“We are looking forward to welcoming so many nations for what promises to be a great weekend of competition,” said Andrew Fell, Co-Director of Bicton Arena. “We specialise in producing exciting cross-country courses on good footing and with excellent viewing for spectators and are delighted so many top riders are coming.”
Beyond the sporting action, Bicton International Horse Trials offers a full programme of entertainment across the weekend. Visitors can enjoy thrilling displays from the Knights of Middle England alongside a packed demo arena featuring highlights such as Equine Giveaways Shetland Racing, the ever-popular Injured Jockeys Fund Jock & Junior, a new Big Screen to watch all the action, and much more throughout the day.
Harveywetdog adds
I am delighted to report that I have been formally accredited for this event, although of course as the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ is an FEI named event I won't be able to video the field of play for this competition. My plan is to concentrate on the CCI2*-L and Succeed CCIY3*-L on Saturday and the CCI3*-S on Sunday morning.
Hopefully the weather forecast holds for Saturday and Sunday mornings.
* I thought the 2024 event was abandoned, but perhaps the statement reflects the fact that this combination were in the lead at the time of abandonment.
David spent approaching 50 years in Her Majesty's Electricity Supply Industry before retiring
He was part of the highly successful design team on the Sizewell B Nuclear Power Station Project before spending 25 years producing safety cases to keep our aging AGR fleet generating for the good of the nation
He is responsible for the Harveywetdog YouTube Channel which he maintains as an outlet for his creative talents
David has twice experienced blood cancer treatment but absolutely refuses to be a victim
All views are of course his own but might be influenced by the medication he's had to take
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