Ludovic Leygue, a doctor's son from Tours, took the honours for France on a quiet opening day at Hickstead's Golden Jubilee Royal International Horse Show yesterday.

He scored a split second victory on Diabolo du Parc II over Jackson Reed-Stephenson and Bailey's Pion in the West Sands Selsey International Stakes.

The 37-year-old Frenchman, who has joined his country's top team for the first time this summer, notably at the testing German show at Aachen where they were fourth in the Nations Cup, made the most of his British debut as he took the lead from third draw of the 52 starters.

His time on Diabolo du Parc II, winner of the French indoor Grand Prix at Paris-Bercy in the spring, was only just good enough to withstand a challenge from Michael Whitaker's protege, Reed-Stephenson, who finished 0.01secs in arrears with Ireland's Robert Splaine taking a close third on Coolcorran Cool Diamond.

A major goal for many riders over the next four days is to find form before the World Equestrian Games at Jerez, Spain, in mid-September and Leygue is hoping his performance in today's Samsung Nations Cup will strengthen his claim for selection.

Speed was not an issue that dominated during the competition as horses were given a warm-up to prepare for the rigours of the two round Cup course.

Britain, who slumped to fifth last year, are determined to equal or improve on their second place in 2000 and are drawn fifth of the seven nations.

Germany's quartet, headed by Olympic gold medallist Ludger Beerbaum, start as favourites.

Di Lampard and Abbervail Dream lead the way for the British side, followed by Scott Smith on Cabri d'Elle, Mark Armstrong on Elise and Tim Stockdale on Fresh Direct Parcival.

New team manager Derek Ricketts, who has two Nations Cup wins to his credit this summer, is well aware of the importance of gaining points today.

Britain are currently lying seventh in the Samsung Super League and need to conclude the year within the top eight to qualify for the upper echelon next year.

Cups are also graded in this newly-designed formula according to prestige and prize money and Hickstead has just been awarded top four star status.

Now the British riders have to match that.

Stockdale, who is hopeful of making his championship team debut at Jerez, was celebrating a new sponsorship by fresh fruit and vegetable importer Fresh Direct, who are backing him for 18 months for an undisclosed six figure fee. His eye-catching livery is an orange collar on a green coat.

West Sands Selsey International Stakes: 1. Diabolo du Parc II (L.Leygue,Fra) 0 in 81.35; 2. Bailey's Pion (J.Reed-Stephenson,GB) 0 in 81.36; 3. Coolcorran Cool Diamond (R.Splaine,Ire) 0 in 81.78; 4. For Pleasure (M.Ehning,Ger) 0 in 95.97.