Team Breen on form at Hickstead just five days after Shane’s Derby win

The Breen family enjoyed further success today at Hickstead (1 July) less than a week after Shane Breen won the famous Al’ Shira’aa Derby.

Shane’s daughter Darcy Breen was part of the winning Cottesmore team in the Junior Schools competition at the Hurst College National Schools and Jumping Championships, alongside her cousin Mia Breen (riding Golden Frisky) and their team-mates Orla Burrell-Thompson and Daisy Andrews.

With Orla (Maxi Million) and Daisy (Woodwards Winnie) producing perfect double clears, the team was able to complete on a score of zero, putting them ahead of Hurst Red in second place.

Darcy took over the ride on Ceiron Mor Lad from her sister Lorna, and describes him as “a really reliable pony who is good at everything”. Now she has experienced a big win in Hickstead’s Longines International Arena, she says she would like to follow in Shane’s footsteps and try to win the Derby!

Mia Breen, whose dad Trevor is also a Hickstead Derby winner, was the youngest of the team at just nine-years-old. “We very nearly didn't have a team because it clashes with the school play! But fortunately the headmaster and the headmistress were very understanding, and one of the teachers stood in for Orla in the play,” said Chloe Breen, mother of Darcy. “It was a really young team and Mia was only enlisted at the last minute, so that was an amazing achievement, and Darcy and Daisy are in their last year so it’s lovely for them to win. They all played a good part and we’re delighted.”

In the individual section, the title went to Matilda Jackson Clutton and Corriview Molly, who were representing Mayfield school.

Matilda has had Molly since last autumn. “She's the best horse I could ever imagine,” said Matilda, who hopes to start eventing the mare and is also aiming for the NSEA Championships.

Matilda has competed in the showing classes at Hickstead in the past but it was her first experience in the International Arena. “It was a massive opportunity, and I was just so happy to be competing in here – riding in I just thought ‘wow!’

Another showjumping star’s daughter was part of the winning Senior Schools team, with Olympian Holly Smith’s daughter Rosie - who also finished third individually - on the winning squad of four. Tudor Hall School took the team title ahead of reigning champions Seaford College. The team of Rosie (Caherlistrane Glass), Xanthe Anstee Marriott (Ardough Boy), Hettie Turcan (Capard Lady) and Molly Turcan (Star Smokey) finished on a clean sheet with three clear rounds.

The individual honours went to 18-year-old Georgie Beeby Wynn and Afficks Eclipse from Berkhamsted School. “I've done this competition since I was in year nine and this is my final year, so to win it is just incredible,” said Georgie, who is off to Hartpury University in the Autumn to continue to pursue her equestrian ambitions.

Daisy Williams and the nine-year-old Bermudez BDA were the winners of The Hickstead Elite 1.10m NSEA Individual Championship. Daisy has owned the pony since he was a four-year-old and they have enjoyed lots of success in showjumping together, with wins at HOYS and Olympia. They now plan to contest some Newcomers Second Rounds.

The local Crawley and Horsham branch won the Pony Club Championship, finishing on a combined score of four faults to go ahead of Eridge Hunt in second. The team comprised Briony Martin (Tynan Express), Ella Bubb (Happy), Felicity Reynolds (Directeur) and Georgia Stephens (Gorsehill Jack).

The positions were reversed in the Individual competition, with Charlotte Bull from Eridge winning on Amsterdam, ahead of Ella Bubb from the Crawley and Horsham.

Amsterdam 21 was previously competed at four-star level by New Zealand eventer Jesse Campbell, before Charlotte got the ride in February. It was the pair’s first time competing at Hickstead. “He's a phenomenal horse and it was so lovely to come here and have such a great experience on him,” she said.

For full results click here.