The stage has been set for a fabulous Al Shira’aa Derby on Sunday (21 June) as the Hickstead crowd was treated to a top afternoon’s sport in the Agria Derby trial, won by 2023 Derby champions David Simpson and Pjotr Van De Kruishoeve.
It is rare to have a jump-off in the Hickstead derby trial but this year an almost unheard-of six combinations went clear. Former Derby winners Guy Williams (BH Gringos Legacy) and William Whitaker (Flamboyant III) elected not to come back, which left event rider Alex Bragg (Hegglelane Houston), Derek McCoppin (Capital Levubu) and Stephan Dubsky (C The Stars) in the field with David and his own 11-year-old stallion.
“The horse is in great shape; but he’s been in great shape for the last couple of weeks,” David said. “He was unbelievable in Hamburg, and the week before last in St Gallen, so touch wood we can just maintain that for Sunday.”
First in for the jump-off, Stephan and his Derby specialist, owned by Miriam Rohr, were flying from the start to finish on 57.87sec, the fastest time, but clipping the Derby rails. Alex and his own 13-year-old, with whom he finished 12th in last year’s Derby, covered the ground in fine style, the super mare full of running and jumping, to cross the line clear in 64sec.
It was a fantastic round but Alex did not hold the lead long, as in came David and Pjotr; smooth, balanced and making it look almost effortless as they cruised home clear on 58.24sec. Derek and Bronwyn Meredith dos Santos’ 15-year-old stallion were tight and accurate and economical, getting a great shot to the triple bar before the last line, but clipped the very last fence, to finish on four faults in 59.51sec.
It was an afternoon of top performances but as well as these six, there will be an array of strong contenders lining up on Sunday; five-time champion William Funnell and his 2024 winner Dublon had just one rail and retired, Shane Breen and Fanfan De Beaufour, who jumped clear but with time-faults last year, had two down.
A host of strong four-fault rounds also speak of good chances in the Derby; Ellen Whitaker and Cordessia Z, Hayley Webster (Cachento), Jenna Palmer Evans (Ilord), Christopher Franks (Irving VG), Morgan Shirley (Klaris Ride On), Commandant Geoff Curran (Hawthornhill) and Olivia Mae Davison (Mendel DN) only lowered one rail apiece.
“I honestly would not be shocked to see a five- or six-horse jump-off on Sunday,” David said.
It is thought the only combination to have won both the trial and the Derby itself in the same year is William Funnell and the great Mondriaan, nearly 20 years ago. So does David think he and Pjotr might join them in 2026?
“Let’s hope so,” he said. “The horse cannot feel any better, so I think it’s really down to me not messing up on Sunday, and we should be in with a shout.”
Alex said he enjoys jumping in the International Arena, and paid tribute to David, who let him jump Hegglelane Houston in his grass ring in preparation for this week.
“He was kind enough to say yes, so I did say that was the only reason I didn’t beat him – it was nothing to do with the six seconds he was ahead!” Alex said, adding that he has been preparing for Sunday since his debut in the class last year.
“I didn’t know anything about riding down the bank… so I came to the top gently, and just let the mare look,” he said. “The mare’s so great, she shot down, and my experience at the bank was over before it even began, and I was over the white rails in a mess.
“So I’m definitely going to get a little bit steadier at the top. The dyke is something I’d have liked to practise more as it’s so unique to this show, but we’ve put some little blinkers on her as the crowd was pushing her away.
“She was very sensitive with the atmosphere last year, so we’ve tried to do things to help her as well as practise for the course specifically. But other than that, you just need to try to ride well, give them a good opportunity to jump well, and you probably need a little bit of luck.”
2026 Hickstead Derby trial: more to watch
Other combinations to look out for include Andrew Hodgins and Shanaclough Luichew, who turned heads with their unique style when they came third in the London International puissance last year, and eventer Gemma Stevens (Envoy Merelsnest Z) who finished on eight faults today, but looked in fantastic form.
The Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby starts at 3pm on Sunday (21 June).
- Enjoyed reading this? For more expert training advice from top riders and coaches, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website
You may also enjoy reading:
‘He needs a book about all the ups and downs of his life story’: meet the 18hh Hickstead Derby contender lining up against the odds
Retiring with the sun on his back: British Speed Derby legend bows out to live with his friends after stellar career
‘As mad as it looks, there’s a strategy to it’: the story behind unorthodox puissance hero Luichew, who captivated the London crowd
How to watch the Hickstead Derby Meeting 2026 live from anywhere in the world
Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round
