The famous Carpetright Derby is the highlight of the British Jumping Derby Meeting at Hickstead (21-24 June), but there’s so much more to look forward to across all four days of the show.
The action in the International Arena kicks off on Thursday 21 June, with the Stoner Jewellers Vase — a thrilling speed class — plus the Bunn Leisure Derby Tankard.
On Friday 22 there is the Bunn Leisure Derby Trial, where riders will be aiming to qualify for Sunday’s main event, while the LED Sport Europe-sponsored Hickstead Master’s Challenge is a unique class featuring a course of eight showjumps followed by four vertical gates all in a row.
The highlight of Saturday is the Bunn Leisure Speed Derby, where riders have to clear Hickstead’s fixed obstacles at top speed, plus that evening we have the Celebrity Polo Derby, where teams of top showjumpers and celebrities take part in a polo match.
Sunday, of course, is all about the Carpetright Derby, held every year since 1961. Last year Tina Fletcher and Promised Land were the only pair to jump clear to take the top prize and a rare victory for the ladies, but Guy Williams is double-handed in his quest to regain the title with his 2010 winner Skip Two Ramiro and last year’s joint runner-up Richi Rich III.
Daily admission tickets start from just £8, with concessions available for children and senior citizens. A huge range of hospitality options are available, including private boxes, ringside lodges, the exclusive 120-seater Members’ Restaurant, the new al fresco Ringside Restaurant and the Beethoven Suite, found at the top of the members’ grandstand. There’s also hundreds of tradestands, selling tack, clothing, accessories and more.
Show jumping fans and visitors to the show will also be able to keep up to date with the action via the all new Hickstead 2012 App, a free App for iPhone and Android, plus there will be full social media coverage from Hickstead’s Twitter and Facebook pages. The British Jumping Derby Meeting will also be televised live on Sky Sports.
Grab this week’s copy of Horse & Hound magazine for our Hickstead Derby preview, including ones to watch
