Yesterday (23 March) William Funnell shared the sad news that his 2018 Hickstead Derby winner, Billy Buckingham, had been put down due to a freak accident which resulted in a life-ending fracture.
Billy Buckingham, who was bred by the Funnells and Donal Barnwell at the Billy Stud and is by the stallion Billy Congo, amassed a number of impressive victories during his 12 years.
In addition to winning the Al Shira’aa Derby at Hickstead, he also represented Great Britain on Nations Cup teams, as well as at the 2018 World Equestrian Games. More recently, Billy Buckingham had just returned from the Sunshine Tour, where Pippa Funnell rode him in her first three-star grand prix at 1.50m.
Here, we take a look back through Billy Buckingham’s career to pay tribute to him…
Billy Buckingham and William in full flight at the 2018 Hickstead Derby
Representing Team GBR at the 2018 World Equestrian Games in Tryon
William FUNNELL (GBR) riding BILLY BUCKINGHAM in the Second Competition of the FEI Jumping Championships at the FEI World Equestrian Games Tryon 2018 at Tryon International Equestrian Centre, near Tryon North Carolina in the USA between 11th-23rd September 2018
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
That winning feeling — William and Billy Buckingham enjoying their lap of honour at the Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby
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William Funnell and Billy Buckingham
(Image credit: Lucy Merrell)
Flying high in Tryon
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
The pair jumping in the 2017 Hickstead Derby, where they finished sixth
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
William and Billy Buckingham in a schooling round at the 2018 WEG
William FUNNELL (GBR) & Billy Buckingham - Jumping - Team Competition R1 - FEI World Equestrian Gamesô Tryon 2018 - Tryon, North Carolina, USA - 19 September 2018
(Image credit: Jon Stroud Media)
Once again, in full flight at WEG
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Magical moments — soaking up the winning feeling at Hickstead in 2018
William Funnell and Billy Buckingham
(Image credit: Lucy Merrell)
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Former web features editor, point-to-point editor and digital racing editor
Gemma is an experienced journalist, who was a member of H&H staff from 2014 to September 2025. She is passionate about all equestrian sports, including racing and point-to-pointing. She has enjoyed riding out for top trainers Nicky Henderson and Charlie Appleby and took part in a charity Flat race at Epsom in August 2018. Gemma’s has reported from numerous five-star events around Britain and Europe, as well as European championships.
