Who will win the 62nd Al Shira’aa Derby?

It's almost time for one of the most popular classes in the showjumping calendar - and we can now reveal the start list for the Al Shira'aa Derby! 

The favourite to lift the trophy has to be William Funnell. The Surrey-based showjumper produced an amazing feat of jumping 12 months ago when he produced clear rounds with both Dublon and third with Equine America Billy Diamo. He brings Dublon back for another crack at a record-breaking fifth win, and the pair are obviously on form – they jumped clear in the Derby Trial to share top honours. William admitted that he’s keeping going just to net that coveted fifth win, and few horsemen could deserve that honour more.

The other two riders to share the win with William in the Agria Derby Trial were Robert Whitaker (Evert) and Carlos Ribas (Juan Van’t Arkelhof). Carlos has been knocking on the door in both the Speed Derby and the Al Shira’aa Derby for years, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see this charismatic Brazilian finally net the top spot.

Robert, meanwhile, is having an annus mirabilis at Hickstead – having lifted the King George V Gold Cup for the first time in 2023, he’s now hoping to repeat that feat in the Al Shira’aa Derby. He’s aiming to be the fourth member of the Whitaker family to win the Derby, but cousin Ellen has an equally good chance – her performance on Demi Luovo in the Derby Trial was one of the standout rounds of the class. Then there’s William Whitaker, who knows what it takes to win the Derby having done so in 2016. He finished sixth with Flamboyant in 2022, so shouldn’t be ruled out.

Ireland has a brilliant record in the Derby, winning six out of the last 10 renewals. The 2022 champion Shane Breen brings two first timers for the Al Shira’aa Derby, so on that front he’s got a challenge ahead of him to net that longed-for second Derby title. However, there are few showjumpers who ride the course better than Shane, and he should never be underestimated. Former World Champion Dermott Lennon has a good record in this class with Gelvins Touch, and will be hoping for another strong performance with the now 18-year-old gelding, and Alexander Butler’s Pico jumped well in the Trial for just eight faults.

We haven’t had a female winner since 2011, with this year’s best chances coming from Ellen, along with Sammie-Jo Coffin (Chaccomo Blue) and Gemma Stevens (Envoy Merelsnest Z). Speed Derby winner Ella Dalton is having her first crack at the Derby, and she is another to keep an eye on with Hurricane VDL.

Guy Williams won the Derby in 2010, and he brings Puissance specialist Mr Blue Sky UK for another tilt at the title. The horse has completed the course twice and Guy will be hoping that this year will be their year, having jumped well in the Agria Derby Trial for sixth place

There are quite a few international riders aiming to win the class for a first time, including German event rider Mathies Rüder (For Freedom EKT), Ezequiel Ferro Menendez (Celli) from Argentina, and France’s Emeric George (Dune Du Ru), who was fifth in the Trial.

Whatever happens, whether we have a record-breaking win, a second win for a previous Derby champion, or a brand new name on the Roll of Honour, one thing is for certain – we are guaranteed to have another brilliant class to look forward to.

Click to see the full start list.  

Tickets are available at the gate or online. All the action from the International Arena will be livestreamed on ClipMyHorse.TV and Hickstead.TV.