New date for DFS Derby

The popular British Jumping Derby Meeting at Hickstead will be held at the end of June for the “foreseeable future”, according to the show ground’s founder and owner, Douglas Bunn.

The show, which has the DFS Derby as its climax on the final day, has traditionally taken place in August, but moved to an early June date in 2004 to avoid a clash with the Athens Olympics. It returned to its August slot for 2005, but has now been allocated the early summer position (29 June to 2 July) to meet the needs of the BBC’s Grandstand programme.

“The Derby meeting will stay in the same place on the calendar for the foreseeable future, which will fit in well with the World Championships in 2006 and the Olympic Games in 2008,” explained Bunn.

The new agreement with the BBC will ensure live TV coverage at both of Hickstead’s major meetings. Sky Sports will cover the Longines Royal International Horse Show (26 to 30 July 2006) for the next two years.

For more details visit: www.hickstead.co.uk

Carol Phillips

H&H website editor

Carol is an experienced journalist and editor, who is also a passionate amateur rider and dedicated horse owner, having ridden since childhood. She has a particular interest in the emotional well-being and ethical training of horses, alongside veterinary matters, having garnered extensive first-hand experience of numerous equine health conditions through more than 30 years of horse ownership.