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...
There are hat-tricks, and then there is the Hickstead Derby's hat-trick of hat-tricks. It is an exclusive club that currently contains only three members - Nick Skelton, Michael Whitaker and Peter Charles, all of whom achieved three consecutive wins in a row. Of course, Eddie Macken hit this milestone and then went one better by winning a record fourth time, but he remains the only rider to ever achieve this.
A potential new recruit to this ‘three in a row’ club is waiting in the wings this year after Ireland's Trevor Breen claimed the 2014 Hickstead Derby title on Advenure De Kannan, and then triumphed again 12 months later with Loughnatousa WB, who was a Derby champion three years previously, when ridden by Paul Beecher.
Given that there have only been 58 clear rounds since the Derby's inception in 1961, to win it once represents a Herculean feat, let alone claim a hat-trick, and just three combinations - Macken with Boomerang, Whitaker and Mon Santa and Charles aboard Corrada - did it on the same horse.
Boomerang, of course, is the greatest Hickstead legend of them all, a Derby king four years on the bounce from 1976 to 1979. Two of those triumphs were secured with clear rounds, while Irishman Macken also claimed second with Kerrygold in 1977, and then he completed a hat-trick just a week after finishing second in the Aachen World Championships.
Their Derby dominance was confirmed a year later when, despite terrible ground conditions, Macken and Boomerang conquered the field as last-to-go, collecting just four faults, with Macken commenting at the time: "For me, he’s the best horse ever. I am certainly very lucky to have him. I think people who saw him, saw what he did today, they’re very lucky, because they will wait a very long time before they see another one.”
And in Derby terms, so it proved. Skelton did the hat-trick between 1987 and 1989, winning initially on J Nick, followed by a double on Apollo, but it was a dozen years after Macken's final triumph that another hat-trick bid began, this time from Michael Whitaker and the Lady Harris-owned Mon Santa.
Mon Santa had already confirmed its world-class ability by partnering Whitaker to Great Britain team gold and individual silver at the 1989 European Championships in Rotterdam, while the following season, a team bronze followed at the Stockholm World Games, and 1991 saw European team silver in La Baule, which also the first of three successive Hickstead Derby triumphs.
Michael had previously won the Derby as a 20-year-old in 1980, riding Owen Gregory, but Mon Santa took him to another level, winning with clear rounds in 1991 and 1993, with that latter success coming following a rare Derby jump-off that also included Australian Chris Chadwick, riding Mr Midnight, and Frenchman Herve Godignon with Prince D'Incoville.
Captain John Ledingham, whose first Derby win had been aboard Gabhran in 1984, went close to emulating Whitaker with back-to-back wins on Kilbaha in 1994 and 1995, but the 1996 title went to Brazilian Nelson Pessoa on 19-year-old Loro Piana Vivaldi. Pessoa, 60, suffered a heart attack the previous November, and he wore a heart monitor at Hickstead to ensure his heart-rate didn't go too high. It was another truly inspired Hickstead Derby story.
The year 2001 saw the beginning of the Charles-Corrada Derby story. Corrada, a 12-year-old Holstein grey mare, had a slightly inauspicious opening to Derby life when Charles began his round slightly after the 45 seconds allowed to start. "I was actually speaking to the course-builders, asking them to tell the judges on the bank to be lenient on me, and I forgot to start in time!" he said.
Taking up his Derby memories, Charles added: "Corrada was an all-round good horse. She was a big. strong mare, and it took me a little while to figure the ride out. Funnily enough, I didn't do the Derby Trial that year, but I went into the jump-off class on the Saturday, and then the Derby, but the bank had always been an issue.
"At home, we could never get her to come down to the bank, we just couldn't do it. Our bank at home was much smaller than Hickstead's, but I think in the spirit of competition with the adrenalin up, she just went for it. It was much tougher in those days, certainly in terms of the bank.
"She was clear jumping in 2001 - we were the only ones - and in the three years, she didn't have a pole down. I remember in 2002, we had a jump-off with Mr Springfield, ridden by Robert Smith, which was maybe the fastest horse in the world at that time. I couldn't believe how fast Robert went. He obviously didn't know Corrada, because he went round like a scorched cat and had three down. I actually thanked him on the way out! He gave it to me on a plate. We jumped four Derby rounds at Hickstead and never had a fence down.
"I told everyone I would win it, and the only way I wouldn't was if the rider took the wrong course! She was a dead-cert. It wasn't me being cocky, she was just that good around Hickstead. She won the La Baule Derby as well, and also got a European team gold medal, and her back foot stopped me getting in the final four at the World Equestrian Games in Jerez. She was a good mare. She did a lot of good things.
"If you have got a really good horse, the Derby shouldn't trouble you. You should jump it. It is a lot more friendly than it used to be - the hedge has been cut down and the ditches are a lot more friendlier now, and the Bank is not as steep, which I can understand, but it is still a tough test. They were all very good horses - Boomerang, Mon Santa, Corrada.
"I never wanted to go into the Derby just to take part. When you are at the top of the Bank, it is purely a case of believing in your horse and that he will do it. Some horses don't like it, and if they don't like it, there is no point forcing the issue. You know straightaway when you are up there. They might have a little look, then they will go down the Bank. If they don't want to go, then all the people in the world won't get them down it."
Barely had the ink dried on on Corrada's Derby chapter, than another Derby legend, this time the Will Funnell-ridden Cortaflex Mondriaan, a combination that triumphed in 2006, then again in 2008 and 2009 before missing out on a hat-trick when Guy Williams and Softrack Skip Two Ramiro beat Tina Fletcher and Promised Land in a jump-off.
Speaking to Funnell the day before his 2010 Derby title assault, he offered a candid insight into what Derby day is like when the stakes are so high.
"It is probably one of the most nerve-wracking days," he said. "When it goes right, the Derby, it's fine, but there are so many fences. There are so many things that can go wrong on the way round - everything needs to go right on the day.
"Even when your horse is on good form, there is no way you ever get blase about it. Rider and horse need to be fully focused, but you need a bit of luck as well. When Mondriaan went into that ring, he raised his game. I didn't have to worry about him not wanting to jump The Dyke or something, so that was one thing I could put out of my mind.
"All I had to do was help him as much as I can to clear the fences, which halves your job. He's a fantastic Derby horse that won derbies all over the world."
So, now it is over to Trevor Breen, and an attempt to gain entry into Hickstead's Derby pantheon. It will not be easy - it never has been, or never will be - but he will probably start as favourite, and his record during the past two years suggests the Irishman could once again set a soaring standard.
Only 28 riders and 38 horses have ever won the Hickstead Derby - that is the elite nature of it all - and as a two-time champion, Breen is already alongside the very finest Hickstead exponents. If he makes it three - and siginificantly, three in a row - then he will be firmly established as a true Derby great after once again conquering arguably the toughest showjumping track of all.
This article first appeared in June 2016
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
