Hickstead's Press Officer Victoria Goff takes a look at some of the standout moments from the Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby Meeting
Well – what can we say? Last week’s Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby Meeting was simply Hickstead at its best. Lovely weather, packed crowds, superb jumping and more than a few twists in the tale to make it all super exciting!
If there’s one thing we’ve come to realise is that in the Al Shira’aa Derby, truly anything can happen, and that was certainly the case for this year’s renewal. First of all we had William Funnell making history by producing two clear rounds on two different horses, Equine America Billy Diamo and Dublon – something no rider has ever done in 60 years of Derbies. William looked like an odds-on certainty to produce a historic fifth win, until David Simpson added a third clear round on the eight-year-old Pjotr Van De Kruishoeve and then came out fastest in the three-way jump-off.
We’re pretty sure William will be back for another crack at that record-breaking title, but for now can we just say what an absolute super star David has in Pjotr Van De Kruishoeve? One year ago the stallion was winning the 7&8 Year Old championship at Hickstead, and last week he jumped round the most famous course in showjumping and somehow made it look easy. To put it into context, not many first-timers go clear, let alone win, and he is the youngest horse in modern showjumping to claim the Al Shira’aa Derby. As the record books often show, once a horse wins the Derby once they often have a good shot of repeating their win, and here’s a horse we could genuinely see winning again and again.
And what a worthy winner we had in David Simpson, the young Irish lad who came for three months’ training with Shane Breen and ended up staying at Hickstead for seven years. Shane has had some serious rider talents going through his ranks but when asked who impressed him it was David who he named first. Both Simpson and his winning ride Pjotr are rather photogenic, David speaks so eloquently and passionately about his horses and his sport – plus he’s still based locally to the showground, so Hickstead can definitely claim him as one of our own. It was also nice to see David give immediate credit to his wife Louise (nee Pavitt), who produced Pjotr up through the ranks. “She’s a better rider than me,” David said in the press conference afterwards. Between them, the Simpsons have certainly racked up a vast swathe of Hickstead titles. The couple have four sons, and with showjumping genes like those we expect to see lots of little Simpsons contesting Derbies in a few years’ time!
The Irish were on fine form in the Derby, and eye-catchers this year were Jordan Coyle (Eristov) and debutant Daniel McAlinden (Keatingstown Z Wellie Two), who shared fourth place on four faults. It was brilliant to have 2014 and 2015 Derby winner Trevor Breen back in the line-up with the fabulous Gonzalo, who jumped a great round for six faults. This pair were fourth in the Longines King George V Gold Cup, and the 12-year-old gelding looked every inch a Derby horse too. Definite ones to watch in 2024.
This year was the year of the event riders, with former World Champion Sandra Auffarth finishing the best of the Germans in 7th equal with Nupafeed’s La Vista, and her team mate Kai Ruder in 12th with Cross Keys. A special mention for Gemma Stevens, who had a brilliant first trip round the course on Shirley Light’s Envoy Merelsnest Z to finish equal 12th. “Is it as good as jumping round Badminton and Burghley? It absolutely is!” said Gemma about the experience. Two former eventers, Paul Sims and Stephan Dubsky, also impressed with their rounds, finishing 9th equal with 12 faults, alongside William Whitaker and Flamboyant.
We also have to say a massive well done to Sammie-Jo Coffin, who jumped round for nine faults on another debutante Chaccomo Blue – despite having had a baby just eight weeks earlier! Incredible.
Talking of twists in the tale, who could have predicted the outcome of the British Speed Derby? Harriet Biddick was on track to win for a fourth time when a tack malfunction caused Silver Lift’s bridle to come off. Somewhat amazingly they jumped through the tricky treble of Hickstead planks and for a second it looked like Silver Lift might continue on to jump the final spread – in fairness, he probably knows the course pretty well by now. But unfortunately he cantered past the last fence and Harriet lifted her hands in a shrug that perfectly reflected how we were all feeling too – it was an absolute WTF moment. The video of the incident very quickly went viral, with an astounding 26 million views across Facebook and Instagram in the space of a week, and the vast majority of commenters poured praise on Harriet’s balance and poise.
Instead it was Ella Dalton and Quality Rubies N Diamonds who stole the show in the Speed Derby, another pairing who were making their first appearance in the class. Here’s a young rider who has won in the show ring and evented up to three-star level, who is now winning in Hickstead’s International Arena. Impressive stuff.
In the Agria Derby Trial, it was a case of history repeating itself with two riders sharing the prize for the second year in a row. Britain’s Robert Whitaker and Brazil’s Carlos Ribas produced the only two clear rounds, but opted to split the prizemoney rather than jump-off against the clock. It was great to have Agria on board as the sponsor of a number of our feature classes this year. If you missed our video featuring their equine mascot Anton jumping the Derby course, then definitely check it out.
Nicole Lockhead-Anderson started and ended the show with victories in the ClipMyHorse.TV Derby Tankard and the Senior Foxhunter Second Round, and this young Scot seems to really shine at Hickstead. And a shout out to Jay Halim who won the Doney Championship on the Sunday and came third in the British Speed Derby, though he did take a tumble in the same class on his second ride. Showjumping is undoubtedly a sport of ups and downs.
In the show ring, Wonga Swinger and Tori Cannon did the double in the RoR Tattersalls Ridden Show Series Finals, winning both the amateurs and the Open titles. Katie Jerram-Hunnable and Sunbeam gave King Charles III his first Hickstead championship in the Supreme Coloured, while it was nice to see a new name coming through in the show producer ranks, with young talent Will Morton winning the Supreme Hunter title with the aptly-named Kilcarna Brilliant.
We’ve now got to wait 12 months for next year’s Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby Meeting, and we’re already looking forward to it! But thankfully we’ve got more exciting international showjumping and championship showing to come this summer, with the Longines Royal International Horse Show. Roll on show week!
* Missed any of the show? You can watch On Demand by subscribing to ClipMyHorse.TV
14 moments we loved from the Royal International
From an Olympic champion making crêpes, a missing budgie, and a Whitaker winning the Nations Cup and King George for the second year in a row... Read all about our favourite moments from this year's Agria Royal International Horse Show!
View from the Press Office: June 2024
After a fantastic Al Shira'aa Hickstead Derby Meeting, our press officer Victoria Goff reflects on some of the standout moments from the show
Things you (probably) didn’t know about the Al Shira’aa Derby
We take a look through the archives to bring you some lesser-known facts about our most famous class
15 outstanding moments from the Royal International
Hickstead's Press Officer Victoria Goff takes a look back at some of the best moments from last month's Royal International Horse Show
Young guns
They are two of the best under-25 riders in the world, and last year they stood first and second in the King George V Gold Cup. Victoria Goff caught up with Gilles Thomas and Harry Charles
Quick as a Flash
Victoria Goff spoke to Gemma Stevens, last year's winner of the Ashby Underwriting Eventers' Challenge
A view from the Press Office: June 2023
Hickstead's Press Officer Victoria Goff takes a look at some of the standout moments from the Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby Meeting
Showing's standout moments from 2022
We take a look back at the best moments from the show ring at the 2022 Royal International Horse Show
Home turf
Shane Breen chats to Victoria Goff about finally winning the Al Shira'aa Derby, after nearly 20 years of trying
An Olympic ambition
Victoria Goff visits Al Shira'aa Farms, to find out more about their journey in showjumping.
Career change
It's been nearly two decades since the first RoR showing championship took place at Hickstead. Victoria Goff finds out more about transforming former racehorses into showing stars
In his prime
He's been one of the most consistent horses in the history of the Hickstead Derby - Victoria Goff finds out more about Harriet Biddick's remarkable horse A Touch Imperious
An outright victory
Clear rounds are a rarity in the Hickstead Derby, and often the class is won by a single first round clear. Victoria Goff takes a look back through the roll of honour
Hickstead's Christmas 2022 countdown
We count down our best moments from a brilliant year here at the All England Jumping Course
10 best moments from this year's Royal International
This year’s Longines Royal International Horse Show was a cracker – and wasn’t it wonderful to have five-star showjumping back at Hickstead where it belongs? Hickstead's Press Officer Victoria Goff picks out her top 10 moments from this year’s show.
The view from the Press Office - June 2022
Hickstead's Press Officer Victoria Goff reflects on a fabulous week at the Al Shira'aa Hickstead Derby Meeting.
Superb Swedes
Victoria Goff reflects on the current strength and depth of the Swedish showjumping team
Thirty glorious years
Hickstead's Press Officer Victoria Goff looks back over three brilliant decades of the Longines Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead
Magical moments from the Royal International
We choose some of the best moments from the past 30 years since the Longines Royal International Horse Show moved to Hickstead
Doney’s legacy
We pay tribute to Jon Doney, a highly-respected FEI official and an important part of Hickstead's team for many years
Doing the double
Only a select band of riders have won the British Jumping Derby and the British Speed Derby - Victoria Goff reveals which famous equestrians hold the honour of winning both
Teenage Dreams
In 2019, 19-year-old Michael Pender became the youngest ever rider to win the Hickstead Derby. Victoria Goff sat down to chat with him about his win
The Hickstead Derby in numbers
In 2022 we’ll see the 60th running of the Al Shira’aa Derby, one of the most iconic classes in showjumping. We take a look back over the decades at the Hickstead Derby in numbers.
60 facts about the Hickstead Derby
How well do you know the history of the famous Al Shira'aa Derby?
The 60th Hickstead Derby
The 60th Al Shira'aa Derby takes place in June 2022. Victoria Goff looks back on the history of Hickstead's most famous class
Harriet Nuttall Q&A
Showjumper Harriet Nuttall has an extraordinary record at Hickstead, having won the Science Supplements Speed Derby twice, the Science Supplements BHS Queen Elizabeth II Cup and the Science Supplements All England Grand Prix - plus finishing runner-up three times in the Al Shira'aa Derby. Alex Irwin caught up with her to find out more about what makes her tick.
Holly Smith Q&A
Alex Irwin caught up with Hickstead star Holly Smith at the Science Supplements All England Jumping Championships
The unstoppable Irish
Victoria Goff looks back at Ireland's stunning win in the 2018 Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup of Great Britain, and goes back into the history books to remember the other memorable Irish wins at Hickstead
William’s fabulous four
William Funnell joined the elite band of four-time winners of the Hickstead Derby last summer. Victoria Goff spoke to him about what it means to join the likes of Harvey Smith, Eddie Macken and brothers John and Michael Whitaker.
Top Speed
We take a look back over the history of the British Speed Derby.
By Victoria Goff
Five of the best
Five riders share the record of having four wins in the Hickstead Derby. Victoria Goff takes a look through the archives to relive these legendary performances.
Coming of age
A few days before his 21st birthday, James Whitaker scored his first major Hickstead win. Victoria Goff caught up with him ahead of the 2019 Longines Royal International Horse Show.
A Platinum President
The BHS President Martin Clunes is a regular visitor to Hickstead. Victoria Goff finds out more about his role at the British Horse Society, and why he loves coming to our shows
10 magical showing moments
We take a look back over some of the standout showing moments from the 2017 season
Perfect Timing
Paul Tapner talks to Hickstead Press Officer Victoria Goff about his first win in the MS Amlin Eventers' Challenge
Miss Consistent
Harriet Nuttall proved she's no Hickstead bridesmaid, when adding yet another major title to her CV last summer. Victoria Goff caught up with the reigning Queen Elizabeth II Cup winner
Fiesta Time
Brazil had an extraordinary run of form at last year's Longines Royal International Horse Show. Victoria Goff finds out more.
Worth the wait
Victoria Goff describes the wait Nigel Coupe had before he finally become the Al Shira'aa Derby Champion in 2017.
Doing it for Ella
Hickstead's press officer Victoria Goff caught up with Matthew Sampson, the winner of the Bunn Leisure Speed Derby
Race against time
Victoria Goff takes a look back at some of the famous Hickstead Derby jump-offs that have taken place over the years.
A New Era
Victoria Goff finds out more about Al Shira'aa, the title sponsors of the Hickstead Derby
12 moments we loved at this year’s Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby Meeting
The Al Shira’aa Derby drew our June fixture to a close, and what a way to round off four fabulous sunny days of showjumping and showing. We take a look back at some of the best moments of this year’s show.
#RoadToHickstead contenders reveal...
We ask some of our leading Al Shira'aa Derby contenders some killer questions.
Harriet and Nigel go head-to-head
Two of the main Al Shira'aa Hickstead Derby contenders, Harriet Nuttall and Nigel Coupe, discuss this year's challenge.
Hickstead Q&A - Hamad Ali Al Kirbi
UAE rider Hamad Ali Al Kirbi made his Hickstead debut last summer when he competed at the Al Shira'aa Hickstead Derby Meeting. We caught up with him ahead of this year's show.
Can you spot our Mystery Guests?
We're very busy preparing the International Arena ahead of this year's Al Shira'aa Hickstead Derby Meeting CSI4*, and with spring being somewhat late to arrive this year we've had to ask some special guests to join our Ground Crew!
Billy the King
Ireland's Billy Twomey enjoyed an amazing run of success at the 2016 BHS Royal International Horse Show, including a win in the Longines BHS King George V Gold Cup. Victoria Goff spoke to him about his golden run.
A home from home
Hickstead is very familiar stomping ground for David Simpson, the Queen Elizabeth II Cup winner in 2016. Victoria Goff spoke to him about winning on 'home territory'.
The One to Watch
In the run up to the 2017 Longines Royal International Horse Show, Hickstead Press Officer Victoria Goff caught up with Amlin Plus Eventers' Challenge winner Esib Power.
The nation's favourites
Earlier this year, we asked you to vote for your favourite Derby-winning horses. Victoria Spicer counts down your top 10.
An unforgettable Adventure
Adventure De Kannan is one of the most successful Hickstead horses of recent times. Victoria Goff looks back at the remarkable career of the one-eyed wonder horse
William Whitaker: How to win the Derby
The 2016 Hickstead Derby winner William Whitaker shares his winning formula!
William Whitaker: Advice for Hickstead newcomers
If you haven't ridden at the All England Jumping Course before, the 2016 Hickstead Derby champion William Whitaker shares his insights into competing here.
William Whitaker: The perfect warm-up
The current Hickstead Derby champion William Whitaker explains how to nail your warm-up routine, both at home and at competitions.
William Whitaker: Winning a jump-off
Want to nail those jump-off rounds? Hickstead Derby 2016 champion William Whitaker shares his advice, and suggests two training exercises to improve your performance against the clock.
William Whitaker's training secrets
In the run up to this year’s Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby Meeting, reigning Derby champion William Whitaker shares his showjumping training insights.
Words by Victoria Spicer, photos by Daisy Honeybunn
6 links between Hickstead and the Grand National
The home of British Showjumping and the most famous race on earth have more in common than you might think, writes Victoria Spicer...
A winning debut
Chloe Winchester, winner of the Templant Events Queen Elizabeth II Cup in 2015, chats to Victoria Spicer about her winning debut at Hickstead
Elizabeth the first
Last year Elizabeth 'Beezie' Madden became the first woman ever to win the Longines King George V Gold Cup. In 2015, she did it again. Hickstead's Press Officer Victoria Spicer caught up with America's first lady of showjumping.
12 moments we loved at this year's Derby meeting
There was rain, there was mud, but much more importantly there was some brilliant competition at this year's Equestrian.com Hickstead Derby Meeting. We choose our top 12 moments from this year's show.
Back on top
Hickstead Press Officer Victoria Spicer chats to the connections of Loughnatousa WB, a horse who holds a very special record in the Derby...
Three in a row
Journalist Andrew Baldock takes a look back over the Hickstead archives at the three riders who have won the Derby three times in succession - and finds out which other riders came close...
A cool guy
Victoria Spicer chats to Guy Williams, the winner of the 2015 British Speed Derby, about setting records and why Hickstead will always be special to him
Eight great Derby rivalries
There have been some amazing clashes in the 56 years of the Hickstead Derby. Pippa Cuckson takes a look at some of the great rivalries over the years...
Breen’s Derby dream comes true
Hickstead's Press Officer Victoria Spicer chats to the 2014 winner of the Equestrian.com Derby, Trevor Breen.
Five Minutes with Fran Callan
Continuing our new Five Minutes With... series, we caught up with Fran Callan, the head travelling groom for Trevor Breen. As part of her job, she looks after Hickstead megastar and reigning Equestrian.com Derby winner Adventure De Kannan...
Miller's tale
Victoria Spicer meets Phillip Miller, winner of the 2013 Hickstead Derby, to talk about his rise from riding school lessons to Hickstead champion.
A lesson with Derby winner Phillip Miller
When we ran an exclusive Hickstead Derby Community competition to win a lesson with the 2013 Derby winner Phillip Miller, we had a great response. In the end, we selected 25-year-old Jodine Brooks from Kent and her seven-year-old Dutch gelding, Camorasun.
15 facts about the Derby course
From poles that 'twang', resident newts and motorway fences turned into showjumps, Victoria Spicer investigates 15 things that you might not know about the most famous course in British showjumping...
Five minutes with Phillip Miller
Her latest victim in the 'Five Minutes With Series…', Daisy sits down with natural born comedian and Hickstead Derby superstar, 2013 winner Phillip Miller…
Five minutes with Bob Ellis
Daisy Bunn is back in the interviewer's chair this week with Hickstead's very own Bob The Buider, world renowned, Olympic course builder Bob Ellis...
10 iconic Derby moments
Last seen disappearing into our dusky archives, Hickstead Press Officer and journalist Victoria Goff has put together a review of 10 of our most iconic Derby moments over the years
Five Minutes with Steve Wilde
Continuing our new Five Minutes With... interview series, Hickstead Director Daisy Bunn sits down with Hickstead's 'golden tonsils', commentator and Director of Ceremonies Steve Wilde...
Five minutes with Daisy Bunn
As part of a new series, exclusively for our HDC members, Hickstead Director Daisy Bunn is going to catch key members of the Hickstead team for mini 5 minute interviews, to give our members a unique, behind-the-scenes take on everything Hickstead. Who better to start with than Daisy herself!
The best of the best
Equestrian journalist Charlotte Ricca-Smith asks Hickstead Derby winners to name the performance - apart from their own! - that impressed them most.
A Hickstead first
In 2013, Paul Beecher became the first person to produce a clear round having been drawn first to go in the Hickstead Derby, then go on to win the class. Victoria Spicer spoke to him about his achievement.
A National treasure
Harvey Smith is the only man to have won both the Hickstead Derby and trained a Grand National winner. Victoria Spicer reflects on his remarkable achievement.
Olympic heroes
Did you know that three out of the four showjumping gold medallists from London 2012 are past winners of the Hickstead Derby? Victoria Spicer catches up with them to find out what those wins meant.
CONTACT US
THE ALL ENGLAND JUMPING COURSE HICKSTEAD HASSOCKS WEST SUSSEX BN6 9NS Tel: +44 1273 834315 Fax: +44 1273 834452 View our Privacy Policy.
EVENTS
& TICKETS
MEMBERSHIP
& SPONSORSHIP
