A young rider achieved a historic Hickstead hat-trick, just missed out on a second as she beat herself and then set another record with a third pony – within a couple of hours.

Anya Dewey Clark won the Pro Ponies UK winter 128cm championship at the Royal International Horse Show with Kilcreene Snapdragon, and came second with Jim. She then won the winter 138cm title with Fredaine De Blonde.

Anya, who made history last year by winning every major 128cm title with Jim, went first in the 128cm jump-off with her superstar knowing that if they were to triumph, they would be the first combination ever to win this title three times. The 2024 and 2025 champions held their lead – the legendary 18-year-old Jim flying in his inimitable style – to finish clear on 45.99sec, a lead that held until the last combination.

This was Anya and 13-year-old “Snappy”, whose amazing ground-covering stride helped set them up to finish on 45.30. This meant Anya is the first rider to have won the winter 128cm title three times.

“It felt absolutely incredible,” Anya said. “They’re both such amazing ponies and it’s such a great arena; I love it every year.”

The 128cm course was a challenge; 11 combinations were eliminated, the double causing a fair few problems, so only five went forward to the jump-off. The closest of these to Anya was Anthony Condon’s son Hector, who finished in 44.86sec with Darth Moll but just clipped the second-last vertical.

Anya said she “probably wanted to win on Jim”, but went in with the plan of replicating her first round.

“I let [Snappy] go to the last; he’s got such a big stride and knows how to cover the ground,” she said. “I’m always confident with my ponies as I know if I go in and give my best – if I give my all, they give their all. I love them both so much.”

Winter 138cm final

The next class was the 138cm final, in which Anya and “Blondie” were seventh of 11 combinations in the jump-off. They finished clear three and a half seconds ahead of second-placed Amy Capper and Playboy Van De Zoetewei, a pony who has won this title five times, and Anya became the first rider to win the 128cm and 138cm titles in the same year.

Anya and the 11-year-old mare had a pole down as a new partnership in this class in 2025 and Anya said they had been practising on grass since.

“I knew the time would be fast so I’d have to start strong and finish strong, and make all the turns,” she said. “She was absolutely amazing. She’s known as the queen of the yard at home and I just love riding her. I can’t wait for the rest of the year.”

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Katie Jerram Hunnable and The King’s “phenomenal” First Receiver added another title to their incredible tally: the 2026 Hickstead Derby Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) champion sash.

“He was absolutely on song,” said Katie. “He didn’t put a foot out of place the whole time he was in the ring – there wasn’t a moment that he wasn’t on form.”

This is the second time that Katie has lifted this title.

“I won for the first time on Barbers Shop for Her late Majesty The Queen, bred by the late Queen Mother, which was very, very special,” Katie said, “And then today I won on First Receiver, bred by The late Queen and this time owned by The King.

“He was reserve champion last year and he went that one bit better this year, which was my dream.”

Now nine years old, “Firsty” and Katie have amassed an enviable tally, topped off by the 2026 Hickstead Derby RoR champion title.

“He’s amazing. He’s done the grand slam. He’s won at Horse of the Year Show, won the novices and opens and stood champion at Aintree and now he’s won here. He’s also been Royal Windsor champion twice under saddle, and three times in hand.

“I’m looking forward to seeing what he can achieve as a riding horse, but would love for him to go supreme at Aintree as a former racehorse. It’s one more box I’d love to tick with him.”

Katie went on to explain that Firsty needs careful production on account of his intelligence.

“He’s the most intelligent horse I have ever had. All thoroughbreds are intelligent, but he’s super-intelligent and comes from a very intelligent family. You have to make sure you don’t do anything wrong as he won’t forgive you. He’s the brightest spark I’ve ever trained.”

Giving his owner-rider a special early birthday present was Tori Thomas’ Wonga Swinger, Tattersalls RoR amateur ridden show series champion here for the third time.

The multi-garlanded duo are also former HOYS winners and reigning RoR ridden champions at Royal Windsor. They have also stepped successfully into the riding horse ranks, having won the amateur riding horses at the Royal International Horse Show last term, and recently booked a return pass to HOYS in the large riding horse division at Royal Three Counties show.

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Mark Edwards’ superstar Dillinger NE had never seen a Derby fence before Thursday – but looked as though he’d been jumping them all his life as he cruised to win the 2026 Hickstead Speed Derby by over four seconds.

Mark and his father Martyn’s 11-year-old, who has excelled in every type of class, jumped clear in 97.43sec, ahead of Sammie-Jo Coffin and Big Star of Follyfoot Z and Georgina Ellis (Croisiere).

“Dillinger’s lovely,” said Mark. “This is the first weekend he’s jumped Derby fences and he’s taken to it like a duck to water.”

That was putting it mildly. When Mark and Dillinger came in, 18th of 25 starters, there had not been a clear round. Theirs was faultless; smooth and sure from the start. Their descent off the bank was faultless and without hesitation; every turn spot-on. It was deceptively fast too; Mark going with his horse, letting his natural speed and stride length take him to victory without taking a check.

It was all the more impressive as this Diarado gelding saw his first Derby fences in the trial two days ago, in which he and Mark finished ninth.

“We’ve got a couple of natural things at home, which we’ve done; walked down a couple of steep banks, and jumped a little dyke, and he’s just done really well,” Mark said. “He jumped the King’s Cup here last year and loved it so I thought he’d do really well.

“He’s got a massive stride, so I used that to our advantage, just kept in that same rhythm and every time we came off the corner, just stayed on that forward stride. He loved it, he’s a super horse.”

Clears were like buses in this class; once Mark and Dillinger had broken the duck, two more came straight afterwards; Georgina and her own 18-year-old finished on 102.23sec for third place and Sammie-Jo with Sally Jobson Scott’s eight-year-old crossed the line on 101.98sec to finish second.

Sammie-Jo said she made her decision to try the class a month ago when taking to three-time speed Derby winner Harriet Biddick at the Royal Bath & West.

“I’m absolutely delighted,” she said. “She’s only eight, so I didn’t really know how she’d react. We hadn’t done anything until Bath & West and talking to Harriet, who’s the fount of all knowledge, and she said about a place down the road that does cross-country. So we popped her on the lorry, and she absolutely thrived on it, loved it, so we thought we’d give it a go.”

Sammie-Jo’s round was another that looked almost effortless; the Big Star mare eating up the ground and turning tight and accurate. The only check Sammie-Jo took was to the gate and it paid off as the top section that caught out many others stayed up, setting them up for a gallop to the last line.

“There’s a lot I could have done differently,” Sammie-Jo said. “I lost my stirrup at fence three and didn’t get it back till I was on the bank so I was thinking ‘I need to keep going but I’d also quite like my stirrup back’! I was a little cautious every so often as I wanted her to stay confident. She was so careful and trying so hard, I just wanted her to have a nice trip round, and she loved it, so I’m hoping next year she might go one better.”

Gina has had good placings in the speed Derby; she and her own Harlequin Du Carel gelding came fifth last year so she was delighted to be on the podium after their faultless, fast and sure round. She also came 13th with her own Fireball.

“I’m very lucky to have two really good horses,” she said. “Showjumping isn’t really my main priority. I ride racehorses for a living, it’s just a bit of a hobby that’s got slightly out of control!”

Mark and Dillinger have also qualified for tomorrow’s Al Shira’aa Derby, and Mark said he had declared him to start.

“We’ll see how he comes out in the morning, and it’ll probably be more preparation for next year – but we’ll probably give it a go,” he said.

2026 Hickstead speed Derby: no Irish bank

This was the first Hickstead speed Derby to run without the Irish bank; a big brush oxer in the same location. Part of the rationale behind its removal was that it might encourage more riders to enter and at least one – Nicole Pavitt (Casque D’Or) – said it had influenced their decision to take on the class.

It rode well; only one horse had a fault there, and the top three riders all thought the change may mean the course record, 91.95sec as set by Guy Williams and Casper De Muze, could be broken before long.

“I only rode to it last year, and you’re never quite sure going to it, but I think with the new fence there, they’re going to get even faster,” Mark said. “But going six strides to the planks afterwards is probably very risky, so I think jump the brush and then going seven is the best option.”

Gina said the new fence is “a hell of a lot easier than the Irish bank”.

“I think that bank put a lot of people off doing the class, and it attracted more people to do it without it there,” she said. “For me, personally, I’d prefer it was still in, because I think it makes it more challenging.”

Sammie-Jo agreed, adding that she always enjoyed riding to the bank.

“I thought it always made a really good picture as well!” she said. “I think it will be faster because now you don’t have to think, really. Although you slid across the bank, I think it just slowed them down a bit. Now you can keep travelling, and they jumped it very easily.”

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The crowd was treated to a cracking jump-off in the ClipMyHorse.TV master’s trophy at the Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby meeting – and it was “one of the best horses in the world” who came out the winner.

It was an emotional victory for Sean Monaghan, as Catherine O’Conner’s Toyger had been out of action with minor issues since October – but what a way to make a comeback.

Clear rounds were a rare commodity at first in the 11-strong jump-off but then they came thick and fast. Abdullah Mohd Al Marri (BBS McGregor) had just snatched the lead from his fellow Al Shira’aa Stables rider Humaid Al Muhairi (Foncetti VD Heffinck) when Sean and the powerhouse 14-year-old came in last to go.

Tight and fast, the big-striding super Catwalk gelding got a super turn to the last line and the perfect shot to the Uffington White Horse vertical, setting them up for a finish three tenths of a second in the lead.

“I knew I had arguably the best horse in the class and was last to go so if everything went right, I could pull it off,” Sean said. “He’s a phenomenal horse and I really enjoyed it; that was proper jumping. That’s my first win here; if I couldn’t win on that horse, I’d never win.”

Sean Monaghan: Toyger feels better than ever

Sean Monaghan bought Toyger from Shane Breen and the pair were on the Irish team that came second at the 2025 Longines League of Nations final.

“This is his first proper show since, so it’s an emotional win,” Sean said. “It was just a few little setbacks but we wanted to make sure he was fine, and he’s feeling better than ever.

It got a bit lonely in the warm-up, but jumping the last fence was a good feeling.”

“But he’s a funny horse,” Sean added. “At home, you’d never think he’s a good horse; he gives a very average feeling, like a weak four-year-old, and he’s the same in the warm-up. Then he goes in the ring and he’s like a lion.

“He’s a bit hard to steer; that’s his only fault, but when he’s right, he’s one of the best horses in the world. He was on Irish teams last year and hopefully will be again; there’s nothing that horse can’t do.”

Speed Derby tip

Sean is in action this afternoon as well, in the British Speed Derby, with Chef Of Flanders Fields Z.

“I’ve never done it before, and neither has the horse, but he’s a very fast horse.” he said. Watch this space…

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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).

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Silver Lift, the most successful horse in British Speed Derby history, has bowed out aged 21 to enjoy a happy retirement with an old and dear friend.

The Irish-bred gelding, with whom Harriet Biddick won three Hickstead speed Derby titles and came second four times, had been jumping until last month with Harriet’s stable jockey Lily Wilson – and of course still winning.

“I wanted to retire him with the sun on his back; it seemed the right time,” Harriet told H&H. “He’s out with A Touch Imperious and a couple of four-year-olds, a nice group of them anyway, so it made sense. It’s been good to see him out with them and having a nice time in the good weather.”

Harriet said the family bought Silver Lift from Ireland as a four-year-old, as her younger sister Lucy’s first horse.

“He’d been hunting with an 11-year-old boy, at four years old, they loved him,” she said. “He was really dark, iron grey with a white mane and tail, so he looked stunning.”

Harriet started riding Silver Lift, then Lucy hunted him a bit and Harriet took him on as a six-year-old as Lucy was keener on hunting.

“The first year he did the speed Derby, he was only seven,” Harriet said. “He came 11th; he went clear but I took it slowly, and he’d not missed a year since.”

Harriet said jumping a seven-year-old in the speed derby is not something she would do now – but this was clearly his class, and Silver Lift enjoyed it from the start.

“He’d been started so well, he was so safe and unspooky, an 11-year-old boy rode him,” she said. “And with the hunting, he was so well rounded and grown up, we didn’t do young horse classes, we just did the fun stuff.

“He always wanted to be competitive and thrived on going fast, and he was ready. It was the right thing for him to do, and he loved it.”

At that time, Harriet had Highland Cruiser, with whom she also was very successful in the speed Derby; she came third on him when she and Silver Lift won for the first time in 2016.

They won again in 2019, securing back-to-back titles in 2022, after the two previous years’ classes were lost to Covid. For a few years, Silver Lift was ridden most of the time by young rider Joss Phillipps, coming back to Harriet for Hickstead.

But, Harriet, added, “I’ve probably made every mistake in that class!” such as the year she went the wrong way in the speed derby qualifier.

“I never try to win that qualifier as he’s already a racy horse and doesn’t need to go fast,” she said. “So I gave him a nice school round and I think I was in such a dream, and he was jumping so well – I don’t know what I did.

“Lizzie [Bunn, Hickstead director] rang and said ‘You’re a past winner but you have to complete a class to qualify’, so I had to jump a 1.45m in the main ring the next day. I went round the first phase and retired, but that was a worrying weekend!”

“And then, of course, I lost my bridle,” she added.

Harriet and Silver Lift were on course for a record fourth win in 2023, when the bridle came off before the treble of Hickstead planks. They jumped through the combination regardless, but the final fence would have been a step too far.

“My biggest worry then, when I was cantering round, was ‘Who’s going to catch me?’!” she said. “He’s such a shy horse and independent, does what he wants to do and just has certain people he trusts.

“But I knew he’d never hurt me. I was pregnant with Ollie at the time but even though I had no bridle, I knew I was safe.”

Those at Hickstead that day will remember the collective feeling of “Might she still be able to jump the last fence?”

“I can’t believe people thought I could – but I think I thought I could!” she said. “I looked at it, and I was almost trying to push him over, and then I thought ‘What am I doing, I’ve got no bridle!’ I think then in my head was ‘No, that’s a silly idea, let’s make sure this ends in a happy way and be a bit more sensible. But I think if the hill wasn’t there, he might have got to the last.”

One thing that incident did show is Harriet’s horsemanship and the pair’s relationship.

“I trusted him so much in that moment; I knew he’d be fine,” she said.

“We had such a bond; even if I hadn’t ridden him for a while as he’d been with Joss, it was something – I’d known him from the start and if I breathed a certain way, or leaned left, he’d go left. I only had to use my bodyweight for him to know where to go.

“He was just so agile and clever, and listened, and just wanted to do it; he wanted to win as much as you did.”

Silver Lift retires with Derby hero

Harriet said she was very fortunate to have Silver Lift and her Derby hero A Touch Imperious at the same time.

“I had such a bond with them both; I was so lucky they were in the same era as they gave so much diversity to my riding,” she said. “I had the small little racehorse-type Silver Lift then the giant dinosaur! Both of them did absolutely everything for me and now, I go out in that field and A Touch Imperious comes over. He always gives the best cuddles, puts his head down and we have a little chat – but once Silver Lift’s out, I won’t get anywhere near him as he goes feral!”

Silver Lift’s last speed Derby was in 2024, when he and Harriet came second. And Harriet said he always knew exactly where he was.

“He’s never been a horse who would go in the arena and do his flatwork, he already went in a nice way,” Harriet said. “So you’d more likely just go on a little ride; he loved it, like a whizzy little pony, leaping around sideways, jogging the whole way home.

“He was like a 12.2hh pony but when he got to Hickstead every year, he changed. He knew where he was, he’d be jogging back and forth to the stable, he knew it was the place for him. He had his routine, doing the qualifier, then waiting for Saturday, the speed Derby.

“He’s kind, he’s always been driven to win, he’s thrived at Hickstead. He loved his job and was so smooth to ride; he had that thoroughbred in him that made him move so elegantly across the ground.

“You saw some horses getting a bit stressed or hot, or tire halfway round but he wouldn’t blow a candle out when he came out. He enjoyed it, and didn’t find it hard work. I think he really is a legend.”

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The Hickstead Derby course remains the same year after year, and is much longer than your average showjumping course at 1,195m, with 21 jumping efforts.

Since the master of Hickstead Douglas Bunn held the first Hickstead Derby in 1961, the class has attracted a succession of the world’s leading athletes and horses ready to bravely tackle its notorious fences, from the fiendishly difficult Devil’s Dyke to the world renowned 10ft6in Bank.

Clear rounds are remarkably hard to achieve, so what does it take? Winner of the 2022 Hickstead Derby Shane Breen shares his insight.

“There’s nothing quite like trotting into the International Arena at Hickstead to compete in this special class,” says Shane, who won the Hickstead Derby with the sole clear that year on Can Ya Makan.

“Many of the experienced horses rise to the occasion, but when the crowd applauds it’s natural for them to get a bit anxious – they know it’s show time. From a rider’s point of view, you’re therefore trying to get them settled and relaxed before the bell rings for you to start.”

How to ride the Hickstead Derby course, fence by fence

Fence 1: The Cornishman

Height: 4ft 8in/1.42m

“Horses don’t normally spook at a fence like this; even Hickstead Derby newcomers will have jumped a similar brick wall. Never dismiss it though – one year John Ledingham and Kilbaha did a funny slip coming into it in the jump-off and knocked the rustic pole off the top. You can’t take anything for granted around the Hickstead Derby.”

Fence 2: white oxer

Height: 4ft 3in/1.30m

Width: 6ft 6in/1.98m

“You have to steer around the Irish bank to get to this oxer of white poles, so the horses don’t see it until quite late. It’s not that high but it is very wide, so you can’t just waltz round the corner under-paced and expect them to clear it.

“Some horses can get a bit high over it because they’re not used to seeing Christmas trees in a jump like that, but again it’s Derby day so people have schooled and prepared – the course hasn’t changed for more than 60 years so you can do your homework.”

Fence 3a and b: double of water ditches

Height: 5ft/1.52m (3a), 5ft 2in/1.57m (3b)

“These are all about straightness, the approach and good rhythm. The fences are very tall and if it’s a sunny day you can get glare off the water underneath, so with that, the blue of the water and the white rails, you do have to focus to see the poles. The ground is running downhill, so you need to keep your leg on but sit tall.

“You land and you’ve one stride before the second obstacle, which is exactly like the first but even bigger. They’re a bit like jumping two triple bars because from take-off to clearing the top rail is such a stretch. You need to meet the first fence on a good stride with good pace so the second one comes easy – miss it and the second one feels twice as big and wide!”

Fence 4: black gate

Height: 5ft 3in/1.60m

“The Hickstead Derby’s time allowed is generous, but almost everyone turns inside the balustrade to get to the gate because you’re giving yourself a bit of extra time if you need to be patient later on, at the Bank, say. So you swing left, then you keep straight before you do a nice flying change to the right.

“The gate is maximum height and falls easily, so it takes precision, but it’s also placed beside the pond, which doesn’t seem to give the horses any problems but it’s down to the rider to get a nice rhythm, very balanced and a good stride. You rarely see gates in jumping tracks nowadays but it does jump well.”

Fence 5: wall

Height: 5ft 3in/1.60m

“Similarly the wall is one of the tallest on course, with an arch underneath, but very rarely do you see a horse take a brick off. The fence is lighter than years before when it was chunkier and wider.”

Fence 6: privet hedge oxer

Height: 4ft 11in/1.50m

Width: 6ft 6in/1.98m

“It’s wide and those poles are about 16 ft long, which is remarkable. You’re coming away from the in-gate, so again you need to make sure your rhythm is correct and you’re on a good stride to make it easy for the horse to clear it – there’s still a long way to go, so you don’t want them having to overexert themselves at this stage.”

Fence 7a and b: road fence

Height: 5ft/1.52m (7a), 5ft 2in/1.57m (7b)

“You’re drawn here nicely on a line from the hedge and again the poles here are so long that every horse seems to hit it in the middle. You jump onto the higher ground, then there are three strides across the top before you jump out, and you can really feel the drop.”

Fence 8: Derby bank

Rail height: 3ft 5in/1.04m

Drop: 10ft 6in/3.20m

“You’ve a bit of time now to fix your hat or give your horse a reassuring pat on the neck. You’re in your own little world, but you can feel the hush of the crowd waiting to see how you’ll execute the Bank. You canter up and ideally you just pop over the fence at the top to give you time to steady up before the drop – the fence is small in comparison with everything else, but it’s still big enough, especially situated up there, to warrant respect.

“Obviously you won’t have schooled over a bank with those kind of dimensions but everybody will have prepared down a bank of some description because you want your horse to be really confident so that when you’ve come to a standstill at the top, there’s no risk of them stepping back, or even putting too much pressure on and going down too quick.

“When he makes the initial descent with his front legs, he should know to gently follow on until halfway down before he pops off the side of it. I’ve ridden it the same way every year – pop the fence, steady up, talk to the horse, let them do their thing.”

Fence 9: white rails

Height: 5ft 3in/1.60m

“It doesn’t always go smoothly, of course, but the perfect descent allows you two very nice normal strides to the rails, which are tall. If you’re clear over them, it’s a very welcome round of applause! But you have to block that out because this is where you need to steer your route carefully to the Devil’s Dyke.”

Fence 10a, b and c: Devil’s Dyke

Height: 4ft 9in/1.45m (10a), 4ft 9in/1.45m (10b), 4ft 8in/1.42m (10c)

“Opinion is divided here, some go to the left of the road jump, some go to the right but keep away from the crowds, but in the last few years I’ve come to the right of the road jump and cantered all the way up along the rail. I try to go far enough along that when I come off the fence, I’ve four strides.

“Horses tend to drift right through the Dyke because of the camber, so I jump the opening fence slightly left of centre, so they’ll hit the B part in the middle, hoping they’ll only be slightly right of centre for the C element. It’s also quite a steep drop from take-off to landing over fence A, which catches the horse’s eye, taking their attention away from the pole and that’s when you can have a fault. It really is a combination like no other.”

Fence 11: open water

Height: 15ft/5.6m wide

“By this point, horses have had two out-of-the-ordinary experiences with the Bank and Devil’s Dyke so it’s time for you both to take a deep breath, especially if you’re still clear. There’s a 3m rise in gradient from the bottom of the arena to the Master’s Box – you’re travelling uphill at this point so you don’t want to set off at the water too early.

“I find you’re better off to get up the hill, then when you turn for the water, pick up the distance you want and kick on! Water jumps can cause horses to spook and wobble in normal jumping classes, but interestingly in the Derby the water doesn’t seem to cause any trouble.”

Fence 12: Derby rails

Height: 5ft 3in/1.60m

“After the water you have 10 or 11 strides to the very tall Derby rails – most people seem to jump it on the right hand side of its five sections because it’s then a tight enough turn back to the dry ditch.”

Fence 13: dry ditch

Height: 5ft 1in/1.55m

Ditch width: 6ft/1.8m

“Dimension-wise, this is quite similar to fence three, the double of water ditches – it’s quite a stretch but if the horses are confident about jumping the dry ditch, they normally clear it well.”

Fence 14: balustrades

Height: 5ft 3in/1.60m

“Seven or eight strides later – which is purely down to the rider’s discretion and I’ve done both, but eight strides is my preference as it keeps you more balanced – the balustrades normally jump well. However, you’re travelling downhill again and if the horses are getting a bit tired, they can land over the dry ditch on their forehand.”

Fence 15a and b: double of gates

Height: 4ft 10in/1.47m (15a, 15b)

Width: 5ft 6in/1.68m (15b)

“You’re turning left-handed to go back up the arena, so you want to try to get a tired horse nicely collected, with good power in the hindlegs, to jump the first gate, then it’s one stride and a stretch over the second gate with a pole out the back. It’s wide, and horses tend to back off the gates, so it’s quite an effort for a horse who has made a lot of effort already in the last 85 seconds!”

Fence 16: rustic oxer

Height: 4ft 10in/1.47m

Width: 6ft 6in/1.98m wide

“I wouldn’t go looking at the time here, but depending on your horse or whether you’ve had a delay earlier on, you might check it as you reach the home straight. It takes time to get to the final big, brown oxer with Christmas trees in the middle, because you’re coming round the water jump, making it easier to find your line.

“There are four sections and it’s quite long, which is good because it means you can ride at it a bit – but you also have to keep your cool and ride it like it’s fence two, not like you’re about to win the Derby! It ain’t over till the fat lady sings and that big oxer requires your full attention. Your horse has helped you over the previous 15 fences and you’re a partnership so don’t let your guard down here – it’s your turn to support him and help the horse jump it.

“Riders tend to pick one of the uprights to aim at because the poles are flush with the uprights, which encourages a horse to jump a bit higher. If you land and you’re clear, there’s a great cheer from the packed stands – there really is no better feeling.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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Had Joe Fernyhough tried to sell Calcourt Countdown as a youngster, he said, no one would have wanted to buy her.

But her early quirks have turned out to be a blessing, as the home-bred mare has now found her niche, loves her job – and won the opening international class of the Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby meeting.

Joe and the 10-year-old beat 90 other starters in the Stoner Jewellers Vase speed class, finishing ahead of speed demons Mark Edwards and Tinkers Touch, with long-term leaders Pippa Goddard and Tom Williams’ PDV Constanza third.

“I’m stabled next to Pippa, and have a lot of horses for Tom, and he said: ‘We’re supposed to be a team!’” Joe said. “I wasn’t that quick at the start but from about fence five, I just kept it really tight, and I think that’s where we won it.

“This is my first win at all at Hickstead; my dad [Olympic rider Rowland] won here a lot but I’d never really connected with it – until now.”

Joe said it had been a long journey with the Westpoint Quickfire mare, who was sent away as a five-year-old to an event rider.

“She was weak, and had attitude, and we wanted her to do some flatwork but the rider sent her back, because she was pretty dangerous,” he said. “So Jake Reynolds, who works for us, rode her as a six-year-old at local shows, low level, till she’d done a bit, and I took her on at seven.

“She did qualify for the grade C at Horse of the Year Show that year but wasn’t really ready, then as an eight-year-old, she went to the Sunshine Tour and won five classes.”

The mare has hit top form this year, winning the CSI2* grand prix at Balmoral in May and the Area Trial at the South of England this month, where they were also second in the grand prix.

“She’s really come to the fore, which is lovely,” Joe said. “Everything’s right with her and she’s been on really consistent form. She’s got a really good team; vets Spike Milligan and Lee Paul, who’s an expert in reproductive issues which she’s had, and our brilliant farrier Robbie Watson-Greaves.”

Joe said Calcourt Countdown still “wouldn’t be for a numpty”, but the hard work has paid off.

“At the start we couldn’t have sold her!” he said. “If she’d been nicer, someone probably would have bought her – but I feel we’ve got her right in the end.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2026, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:’

What’s under the Derby bank, three types of grass, invading ducklings and other fascinating facts about Hickstead

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Watch the Hickstead Derby Meeting on TV this week and enjoy a true jewel in the crown of British equestrian sport.

Hickstead hosts a wealth of showjumping and showing classes, but is best known for being the home of the world-famous Hickstead Derby, and this class is certainly not one to miss.

At a glance

• Hickstead Derby Meeting dates: 18–21 June 2026
• Watch Hickstead Derby on TV: ClipMyHorse.TV
• Watch Hickstead Derby from anywhere: Use this NordVPN deal – 75% Off

How to watch Hickstead Derby on TV

There is no terrestrial TV coverage of the Hickstead Derby, and ClipMyHorse.TV will be the only place you can follow all the action live or on demand.

You can take advantage of a special Hickstead & RIHS membership offer with code “Hickstead2026”. This is valid 15 June – 15 August 2026 and provides 20% off an annual ClipMyHorse.TV premium membership – sign up here.

This offer can be used by new subscribers as well as past members, who will have to email the support team to access the discount code.

If you’re away from home, you can use NordVPN to secure your stream of the action from anywhere in the world.

What about HicksteadTV?

HicksteadTV will only be sharing a few winning rounds this year, so watching via ClipMyHorse.TV is the only option for live coverage.

What time is the Hickstead Derby?

The Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby will start at 2pm on Sunday 21 June.

Hickstead Derby TV schedule

ClipMyHorse.TV will be showing the following classes live at the times listed.

Thursday 18 June

Friday 19 June

Saturday 20 June

Sunday 21 June

How to watch the Hickstead Derby Meeting from anywhere

If you’re away from home and your normal coverage is geo-blocked, a VPN will get you your usual coverage from anywhere in the world.

There are many VPN providers out there, with some more reliable and safe than others. We’d suggest using a paid-for service such as NordVPN, where you can get an exclusive 75% off, which offers a 100% risk-free money back guarantee. If you’re not happy with the service any time within the first 30-days, then you can cancel with no penalties at all.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major events throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

Shane Breen reveals how to tackle the iconic Hickstead Derby course, fence by fence

Walk the Derby course with Horse & Hound’s guide to the ultimate show jumping challenge

What’s under the Derby bank, three types of grass, invading ducklings and other fascinating facts about Hickstead

Meet the £1k purchase who won the 2026 Hickstead Derby against the odds: ‘He needs a book about all the ups and downs of his life’

Former winners to triumph, or a surprise result? Find out who’s taking on the 2026 Hickstead Derby

Need somewhere to stay near Hickstead? We’ve found plenty of options…

Advance tickets for the Hickstead Derby meeting are now on sale

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

We recommend VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:

• Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service)
• Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad

We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing. 

Hickstead is one of the most famous showjumping venues in the world, and we’ve uncovered some facts about the course and arena that will interest, intrigue and impress any showjumping fan.

Hickstead directors Lizzie and Edward Bunn had an email recently from someone keen to know the dates of the 2027 Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby Meeting. The concerned spectator said her son had just confirmed his wedding date for next summer and she wanted to make sure there wasn’t a clash as “I have a horrible feeling I might have to miss the wedding”.

A fair point, but the good lady was reassured that she would indeed be able to enjoy a fabulous day – and also watch her son get married.

That’s how much the Derby means to people, and this year’s meeting is on the horizon; four days of top equestrian sport culminating in the main event on Sunday, 21 June. But of course preparations have been ongoing for the event since last summer specifically – and for decades. The International Arena may look like a nice grass ring but the work, and money, that goes into it is phenomenal.

Fascinating Hickstead facts

Here a few things you probably didn’t know about what goes on behind the scenes at the All England Jumping Course.

1. The International Arena is, Lizzie explains, “an all-weather arena with a grass top”. After some very wet summers, the Bunns took action, and spent almost £1m, in 2010. They dug about 18 inches down, across the whole ring, then put down 1,900 tonnes of shingle with drainage. A membrane went in on top, then the topsoil that had been taken out, 2,100 tonnes of drainage sand, and grass back on top. Last September, when it rained so much the back arenas were puddling, the going in the main ring was just about perfect.

2. Three types of grass seed are blended to create the famous emerald sward; one for thickness, one for root depth and one for colour. Watering is of course key, and at the right times; the grass has to be a bit “thirsty” early on so the roots go deep enough. This root depth – about 12cm is perfect – is crucial as it is this depth that absorbs the weight of a half-tonne horse landing, releases it and springs back.

3. The Derby bank is the centrepiece of the arena. Used in only three classes each year – the Derby, the British Speed Derby and the Ashby Underwriting Eventers’ Challenge – it still needs more maintenance than probably everything else.

It’s built of a U-shaped blockwork wall, filled with rubble, covered in clay and turfed.

It spends most of the year tucked up in an astroturf jacket paid for by Netflix’s The Crown, which filmed at Hickstead some years ago; this comes off at Easter, then the old turf is stripped off and the face rebuilt if the old clay has gone brittle.

Then the bank’s checked daily. Grass doesn’t like growing on the side of a hill so it’s a tricky job; it has to be covered if the weather gets too wet, naked if it’s hot so the turf doesn’t sweat, kept moist enough for the grass to grow and dry enough to suit the clay – and an eye has to be kept for any ants that might feel like nesting in the turf.

4. After the Derby meeting, there’s only four and a half weeks until the Royal International Horse Show, so there’s a huge amount more work to be done. The ring is fertilised before each show, so it kicks in straight afterwards, and the seed is left in hessian sacks to pre-germinate so it hits the ground growing. Then there’s watering, decompacting and vertidraining to do, and mowing, ensuring the grass is short enough to thicken but not so short that the root depth is lost.

5. There are tricky bits of the course to deal with; the Devil’s Dyke was returfed in mid-May, timed to perfection six weeks before the Derby. The road crossing had been regraded and scarified; removing the top layer of dead matter and reshaping and levelling the soil, then reseeded. Even the Cornishman, the 4ft8in wall that’s the first fence in the Derby, had had its modest turf topping renewed. It’s the original wall that’s featured in every Derby for the past six decades, and needs less maintenance than some areas – although there has probably been some repointing done.

6. Someone is out in the main ring every day, checking and assessing; not just the look and feel of the ground but to check for issues such as any enterprising badger who might have come in to dig for worms.

“It’s a haven for wildlife!” Lizzie says. “We used to have great crested newts in the water jump and because you’re not allowed to handle them, a man used to come out from the Sussex Amphibian and Reptile Group and rehome them. We had ducklings on the lake once in the Derby and had to stop the jumping while they crossed the ring.”

7. The water in the Devil’s Dyke ditches is dyed blue, to help horses judge it; the surface here is concrete, which is cleaned and repainted every year, then a new layer of rubber on top. The open water was renovated a few years ago; it was shortened to 15ft to comply with FEI rules.

“You used to be able to swim a width underwater,” Edward says. “It was three feet deep.”

Now it’s only inches deep, and lined with rubber matting, but it’s still, with its presentation and dressing, as imposing a fence as you’ll find.

Hickstead in numbers

1.8ha: the size of the International Arena

2m difference in gradient from left to right

60 acres of lorry parking and stabling

100,000 litres: the Hickstead water storing tanks’ capacity

5,484 horses competed at the All England Jumping Course in 2025

1,538 showjumping horses were at last year’s Derby meeting

Almost £2m: the cost of the new stable facilities

300 rolls of turf used annually in the International Arena

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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Finding a hotel near Hickstead will help you make the most of your visit to the venue, whether you’re there to spectate, support or compete. The All England Jumping Course at Hickstead in West Sussex hosts a number of prestigious shows including the Hickstead Derby, the Royal International Horse Show and the All England Jumping Championships.

We’ve included a great selection of accommodation by type – not just hotels near Hickstead, but guest houses, B&Bs and holiday lets, too, so you can easily find what you’re looking for. Distances are calculated in driving distance to the showground (BN6 9NS).

Jump down to find the accommodation you’re looking for…

• Hotels near Hickstead
• B&Bs, inns and guesthouses near Hickstead
• Holiday lets and apartments near Hickstead

Hotels near Hickstead

B&Bs, inns and guesthouses near Hickstead

Holiday lets and apartments near Hickstead

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from Hickstead and other major shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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End of an era as Hickstead’s famous Irish bank is removed

Advance tickets for the Hickstead Derby meeting are now on sale

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

It is the “end of an era” as the famous Irish bank at Hickstead has been removed after 60 years as a permanent fixture.

The All England Jumping Course revealed today (1 April) that the small bank – not to be confused with the Derby bank on the other side of the arena – has been “carefully removed after a period of consultation”. There was some confusion as the announcement was made on April Fools’ Day but Hickstead confirmed to H&H that it has gone.

“It’s the end of an era as we say goodbye to the Irish bank,” said Hickstead executive director Lizzie Bunn. “It has been part of the Hickstead landscape for nearly 60 years but was in need of a complete rebuild at vast cost.

“Because it was only used in two classes in the year, the decision was made, alongside our chief course-designer Kelvin Bywater, to remove the fence instead of reconstructing it.”

The bank was only part of the British Speed Derby at the Derby meeting and the Ashby Underwriting Eventers’ Challenge at the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS). Its removal will give course-designers much more freedom, including allowing different lines to Hickstead’s open water.

The 5ft bank, which horses jumped on to and off, just before the treble of planks in the speed derby, was first used in competition at Hickstead in 1969, causing a “minor rebellion” as riders including David Broome and Harvey Smith refused to jump it. Marion Coakes cleared it with Daddy’s Girl and won the Ireland Stakes, a story that inspired a fictional incident at “Crittleden” in Jilly Cooper’s Riders.

“You’ve got to introduce variety,” Douglas Bunn, the late founder of Hickstead, said at the time. “You cannot expect people to watch the same old thing time after time. There’s no question about it that when we put the Irish bank into a class here, you get a little round of applause when a horse does it nicely.”

The bank was the scene of a memorable moment nearly three years ago when Harriet Biddick and Silver Lift, attempting to win a fourth speed derby, had a tack malfunction. After they landed from the bank, Silver Lift’s bridle slipped off, and the combination jumped all three planks without it.

The bank will be replaced by a natural-looking hog’s back-style fence in the same position, for the speed derby; the rest of the course will be unchanged.

“We know some riders and spectators will be sad to see the Irish bank gone, and it was a tricky decision for us to make,” Lizzie said. “But we do also hope the change will encourage more riders to take part in the British Speed Derby with their best speed horses, perhaps if they had avoided entering previously because they weren’t sure how their horses would jump it.”

The speed derby will run on the penultimate day of the Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby Meeting (18-21 June) and the eventers’ challenge on the Thursday of the RIHS ((21-26 July).

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2026, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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Royal International Horse Show tickets are now on sale, and by getting them now you can save money on the gate price. The 2026 show at Hickstead’s All England Jumping Course runs from 22–26 July, and it’s sure to be a cracker!

The Agria Royal International Horse Show is one of the biggest outdoor shows in the country, with international showjumping galore and highly prized showing championships throughout the week. If you’re hoping to watch the Derby, you need tickets for the Hickstead Derby meeting instead.

Royal International Horse Show tickets: general admission

A general admission ticket grants you access to the showground and all of its facilities, as well as both public grandstands.

Tickets are currently available at a reduced advance rate, which means booking now will save you a bit of money and I’ve included the gate prices in brackets for comparison where there’s difference. All advance ticket orders are subject to a £3.50 booking fee per order (not per ticket).

General admission prices are the same throughout the week and children under five do not need a ticket, while those aged five to 14 do need a ticket, but these are free.

• Adult (15+): £25.20 (£28)
• Senior citizen (65+): £19.80 (£22)
• Child (age 5–14): Free
• Parking: £15

Flexi tickets

Not sure which day you want to come? Book a flexi ticket. Valid for any day but can only be used once.

• Adult (15+): £29.70 (£33)
• Senior citizen (65+): £24.30 (£27)
• Child (age 5–14): Free
• Parking: £15

Full week tickets (Wednesday–Sunday)

• Adult (15+): £99 (£110)
• Senior citizen (65+): £79.50 (£88)
• Child (age 5–14): Free
• Family (2 adults + 2 children): £63 (£70)
• Parking: £60
• Caravan pass: £120
• Electric hookup: £100

Royal International ticket upgrades

Highweald Ringside Terrace 

This ticket give you access to a raised platform with one of the best views of the Longines International Arena. You do not need this upgrade if you’re buying members’ tickets.

Tickets cost £15, but do not include general admission.

Royal International members’ tickets

A members’ ticket grants you access to the members’ enclosure, which has a grandstand with excellent views, a restaurant, champagne bar and viewing deck.

• Adult (15+): From £30.60 (£34)
• Senior citizen (65+): From £25.20 (£28)
• Child (age 5–14): From £25.20 (£28)
• Family (2 adults + 2 children + parking): £111.60 (£124)

Five-day members’ tickets

• Adult (15+): £165.60 (£184)
• Senior citizen (65+): £120.60 (£134)
• Child (age 5–14): £121.50 (£135)
• Family (2 adults + 2 children + parking): £544.50 (£605)

Further details for all tickets can be found at boxoffice.hickstead.co.uk

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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The box office for Hickstead Derby tickets is now open, so if you’re keen to visit the West Sussex showground, here’s everything you need to know before you book. The 2026 Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby meeting will take place 18–21 June, and I’ve broken down all your ticket options below.

There’s currently an advance booking discount available, but there are also free days to take advantage of. Hickstead is also home to the Royal International Horse Show but these tickets will give you a view of the famous Derby course, which includes the 10ft 6in Derby Bank, the notoriously difficult Devil’s Dyke combination, and one of the widest water jumps in the world. This show also features national showing and driving classes, plus a large shopping village, family entertainment, bars and eateries.

Hickstead Derby tickets: General admission

A general admission ticket grants you access to the showground and all of its facilities, as well as both public grandstands.

We’re currently in the window for advance tickets, which means booking now guarantees you the best possible price. I’ve included the standard prices in brackets for comparison. All advance ticket orders are subject to a £3.50 booking fee per order (not per ticket).

Some days offer free tickets, but you should still add these tickets to your basket and book parking in advance. Children under five go free and do not need a ticket.

Thursday 18 June

All ages: Free

Parking: £11.50 (£15)

Friday 19 June

Adult (15+): Free

Senior citizen (65+): Free

Child (age 5–14): Free

Parking: £11.50 (£15)

Saturday 20 June

Adult (15+): £27 (£30)

Senior citizen (65+): £22.50 (£25)

Child (age 5–14): Free

Parking: £15

Sunday 21 June

Adult (15+): £36 (£40)

Senior citizen (65+): £27 (£30)

Child (age 5–14): £18 (£20)

Family (2 adults + 2 children): £99 (£110)

Parking: £15

Full week

Adult (15+): £63 (£70)

Senior citizen (65+): £49.50 (£55)

Child (age 5–14): £18 (£20)

Family (2 adults + 2 children): £162 (£180)

Parking: £42

Caravan pass: £120

Electric hookup: £100

Hickstead Derby ticket upgrades

You need to buy general admission tickets in addition to these upgrades.

Highweald Ringside Terrace

These tickets give you access to a raised platform with one of the best views of the Longines International Arena. It offers a more relaxing space to spend the day and has a private deli/café. You do not need this upgrade if you’re buying members’ tickets.

Friday 19 June: £10

Saturday 20 June: £15

Sunday 21 June: £20

Riverside picnic parking

This gives you parking access to exclusive areas that overlook the International Arena. You can pack a picnic (and a bottle of champagne or two) and enjoy the brilliant view over the arena for the entire day. These tickets are limited.

Friday 19 June: £100

Saturday 20 June: £140

Sunday 21 June: £175

Hickstead Derby members’ tickets

A members’ enclosure ticket includes general admission, but also grants you access to the members’ enclosure, which has a grandstand with the best views on the showground, as well as the members’ restaurant, members’ lawn, champagne bar and viewing deck. Daily members’ enclosure tickets are available, and upgrades can be purchased on the showground on the day of your visit.

Thursday 18 June

Adult (15+): £28.80 (£32)

Senior citizen (65+): £23.40 (£26)

Child (age 5–14): £23.40 (£26)

Family: £104.40 (£116)

Friday 19 June

Adult (15+): £28.80 (£32)

Senior citizen (65+): £23.40 (£26)

Child (age 5–14): £23.40 (£26)

Parking: £104.40 (£116)

Saturday 20 June

Adult (15+): £41.40 (£46)

Senior citizen (65+): £36 (£40)

Child (age 5–14): £36 (£40)

Family (2 adults + 2 children + parking): £156 (£170)

Sunday 21 June

Adult (15+): £54 (£60)

Senior citizen (65+): £45 (£50)

Child (age 5–14): £45 (£50)

Family (2 adults + 2 children + parking): £198 (£220)

Full week

Adult (15+): £153 (£170)

Senior citizen (65+): £127.80 (£142)

Child (age 5–14): £127.80 (£142)

Family (2 adults + 2 children + parking): £457.20 (£508)

Parking: £42

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British Dressage riders from prelim level upwards will be able to compete alongside the top names as the Dressage Masters returns to Hickstead next year.

Organisers of the Chart Stables International Dressage at Hickstead 2026 (11-17 May) have confirmed that the national competition will run alongside the CDI. No qualification is required and all BD members are welcome to enter, to “perform in a world-class competition environment”.

“We are delighted to be able to bring the Dressage Masters back to its original home of Hickstead in such an inclusive format and with an outstanding line-up of sponsors,” said show director Daniel Watson. “It’s a true celebration of talent, partnership, and the spirit of dressage.”

Classes will run from prelim to prix st georges (PSG) level and the top 15 in each class will qualify for a freestyle in the international arena the next day.

“Founded by Dane Rawlins, the Dressage Masters offers both amateur and professional riders a unique competition, set in an iconic location, with an international atmosphere,” a spokesperson for the event said.

“There will be generous prizes, including the debut of the ‘champion of champions’ title awarded to the combination with the highest combined score across both days.”

The event is open to all BD members and registered horses between prelim and PSG but entries are capped at 40 per class and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Entries open on 1 January at 5pm and all fees and details will be confirmed in the near future. The tests will be the championship tests: prelim 6, novice 6, elementary 6, medium 6, advanced medium 6 and the FEI PSG. Prizes include rosettes to 10th place and sashes and rugs to overall winners. Overnight stabling is available and there will be evening events including a charity ball.

The classes have been sponsored by Deepdene Stables, Kent, Premier Performance, RW Equine Vet Ltd, Perry Equine Supplements, Headmore Stud, the Leggat family, The Hair Extension Company, CW Events, Imperial Equestrian, Nodwood House Equine, Lassetter Dressage – Char Lassetter, Hughes Dressage and SEC Ltd.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the support of our sponsors,” added Daniel.“For many, this is their first step into equestrian sponsorship, and the Dressage Masters offers an opportunity to showcase their brands on an international stage.”

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The team bringing international dressage back to Hickstead from next year promise “an experience that will go beyond the arena and leave a legacy for years to come”.

H&H reported last year that the All England Jumping Course had had to cancel its dressage fixture, which had grown from a three-day Premier League show in 2021 to a six-day international fixture in 2024.

But it has now been confirmed that international dressage rider Daniel Watson is spearheading a “powerful return” of the discipline, with his Aster Events team and headline sponsor Chart Stables.

“This is a rider-led project, independently organised and funded,” Dan said. “Running a show at Hickstead will bring international dressage back to a venue that means so much to our sport. With Aster Events, we are building something fresh – an event that celebrates competition, community and culture.

“My long-term sponsor Chart Stables has agreed to support this event as title sponsor, and we are both incredibly excited about this new venture, linking equestrian business with competitive sport. The Aster Events team, with the Bunn family, are creating an experience that will go beyond the arena and develop a legacy for years to come.’’

Dan told H&H conversations with Hickstead directors Lizzie and Edward Bunn started about six months ago.

“The Bunns are fabulous to work with. They’ve got so much knowledge of international competition; they’re phenomenal at it, and I feel privileged they’ve allowed me into their niche as they’re so lovely and so good at what they do,” he said. “The more time we’ve spent around the table, the more things have slotted into place.”

The Chart Stables International Dressage Festival will run from 11-17 May, including CDI, CPEDI, Premier League, young horse and national classes, and the Dressage Masters. Dan said final details have not yet been ironed out but it is likely to run in the same rings and area of the showground as the previous dressage fixture and the young horse showjumping championships, the feel and set-up of which has been widely praised.

Pulling together

“We’re going back into meetings but as a showground, it’s phenomenal,” he said. “There are so many things we can do to make it work long-term; that’s what the next few months are for, then we’ll really push ahead for the future. Everybody’s really pulling together to make this a show for the long term. It’s just bloody brilliant, and something the sport really needs.”

Becky Moody, who won the CDI3* freestyle with Jagerbomb at Hickstead in 2023, said the news is “fantastic”.

“Hickstead is a truly iconic venue, with outstanding facilities and a real international atmosphere – something it is invaluable to have here in the UK to develop our current and future stars,” she said. “Now we all need to get behind Dan and his team, to help showcase the very best of international dressage.’’

Entry and parking will be free for spectators, and there will be hospitality packages and a “Friends of Hickstead Dressage” membership scheme available.

“We are delighted to be working with Daniel and his team to be able to bring dressage back to Hickstead,” said Lizzie Bunn.“It was a disappointing decision to cancel this year’s international CDI, and we hope the entire dressage community will rally round to give this fixture their full support, so it will thrive in 2026 and beyond.”

Chart Stables director Yolanda Olson added: “As horse owners and keen dressage riders we are delighted to be the title sponsors. It’s great news that Hickstead will once more be hosting this prestigious event with their outstanding facilities here in the UK. We wish Daniel and the team all our good wishes for what will showcase the best of International dressage in such a beautiful setting.”

For more information about the show and sponsorship opportunities, visit asterevents.co.uk

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Robert Whitaker joined an elite group of riders to have lifted both the Derby and the Al Shira’aa King George V gold cup in the same year when he retained his stranglehold on Hickstead’s classics with a masterful performance on Vermento.

Rob and Caroline Blatchford’s stallion have now seized this CSIO 5* grand prix at the Agria Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) twice in the past three years, while Rob also claimed this year’s Derby with Gentlemen VH Veldhof.

“I was really confident today and sometimes you have these rounds that don’t work but my round worked everywhere, every turn, every stride I got was at the right moment,” Rob said.

It was a strong week for Whitakers; Rob’s cousin James won the Queen’s Cup on Just Call Me Henry — who, like Vermento, is sired by John Whitaker’s Argento — and two of them remained in the running for this €54,500 grand prix, making up half the four-man jump-off field.

There was a lot of class on show from the Brits in the first round; five combinations missed out by just four faults — John Whitaker (Equine America Unique Du Francport), Matthew Sampson (Daniel), Jane Annett (Jywan), Mark Edwards (Dillinger) and Sammie-Jo Coffin, who had a foot in the water with the very consistent Chaccomo Blue.

But it was Rob’s cousin Donald, last year’s winner on Millfield Collette, who delivered the only other British clear, this time riding the 14-year-old gelding Di Caprio.

They were joined by Ireland’s Jordan Coyle (Chaccolino) and the UAEs Omar Abdul Aziz AL Marzooqi riding the exciting 11-year-old Enjoy De La Mure.

High-stakes jump off delivers drama

The jump-off round Kelvin Bywater and Ben Townley’s track was packed with drama, and demanded all the quality you’d expect for this historic class, whose solid gold trophy dates back to 1911.

First out Jordan and the 14-year-old Chacco Blue x Heartbreaker gelding attacked the course in a lovely open rhythm to set a worthy benchmark in 40.17sec.

“I don’t think I could have done anything differently, unfortunately!” said Jordan, who finished thirf. “I probably couldn’t have gone faster or had that round again, even if I had another 20 attempts at it. The horse has been amazing recently, for the past six months he’s been clear every round he’s jumped but he’s just not the fastest.”

Luck wasn’t shining on next-in Donald this year, his brilliant start on Di Caprio was quashed at the double, when the gelding pecked on landing jumping in and had to be pulled out of the second part.

It left the door open for Rob, who executed a scything line round the water to the closing oxer to axe 1.29sec off Jordan’s time.

“I watched Jordan’s round and I didn’t really need to see anything after that, he did all the distances that I thought I was going to do and I knew I needed to be a bit similar to him,” Rob said. “Vermento is a big horse, but somehow he’s actually quite fast. I’ve been fast indoors with him as well, when you’d think he wouldn’t be, I think he’s just quick across the ground.”

But there was still one more rider, Omar, between Rob and glory and the UAE’s Al-Shira’aa-backed team, trained by William Funnell, are a growing force on the international stage.

His round on the world-class Enjoy De La Mure was up on the clock, until he opted to take a check at the final oxer, crossing the line 0.86sec behind.

“To be honest, in the jump-off I just wanted to be clear because I’ve been unlucky the past couple of jump0offs and speed classes and I had the last fence twice in the Nations Cup,” he said. “Classes like this give you confidence and I will definitely be back for more.”

Rob’s performance ranks among the elite

Only three other — legendary — combinations have matched Rob’s performance in winning the Derby and King’s Cup in the same year. The first were while the events were at different venues: David Broome with Mr Softee in 1966 and Harvey Smith with Mattie Brown in 1970.

The only rider to manage the feat after both events moved to Hickstead in 1992 was Rob’s uncle Michael, who landed them that year with Monsanta and Midnight Madness.

“He’s good, him!” Rob quipped.

Rob’s double King George victories are now also close to rivalling his father John’s three triumphs in the class: with Ryan’s Son in 1986, Milton in 1990 and Welham in 1997.

“I don’t think he’ll be giving me any other horses to ride now!” Rob added.

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The much-loved showing and showjumping reporter and judge Margaret Shaw would have been honoured by her final resting place, in the International Arena at Hickstead.

Margaret, who died in April aged 76, reported on showing and jumping for H&H for over 30 years. She was a familiar and popular face at Hickstead, where her ashes have been laid to rest on the famous turf, a stone’s throw from the place in which she judged the supreme horse at the 2015 Royal International Horse Show (RIHS).

“It’s a very fitting place; she loved it here,” Margaret’s daughter Heather told H&H, adding that even when her mother was unable to go to the All England Jumping Course owing to her mobility issues, the Bunn family that owns it offered anything they could that might enable her to come back.

“Lizzie Bunn has been fantastic.”

A memorial ceremony was held on the Thursday of this year’s show, during which a poem written by Heather was read.

“And now you’re here at one of your favourite places, with so many people who loved you, and friendly faces,” it read. “It’s rather fitting you’re by the members’ lawn, known for being ringside from dusk till dawn. We’re still coming to terms that you’ve left us, now you can fly high for ever, on the wings of Pegasus.”

Heather said a rose called Absolutely Fabulous has been planted at the ringside for her mother.

“She’s still here, it’s lovely,” she said. “She would have loved it, and been honoured.”

Lizzie Bunn told H&H it was a fitting tribute.

“She loved Hickstead and was a huge supporter of showing and showjumping,” she said. “She was honoured to be asked to be one of the judges for the supreme horse championship at the RIHS in 2015, which was one of her proudest moments. Margaret’s daughter Heather chose a rose to plant alongside the members’ terrace, and we all paused to pay respect to a very popular lady who did so much for equestrian sport.”

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James Whitaker became the first member of his clan to etch his name twice on the Queen Elizabeth II cup at Hickstead’s Agria Royal International Horse Show (RIHS), bullseyeing his main target for the summer with top ride Just Call Me Henry.

“My plan ended here — I’ll have to make another one now!” said James, who was so sure he’d outclassed the opposition with his gutsy round, he punched the air as he crossed the finish.

“It’s a great class to win. Some feel lucky to win it once and I’ve been lucky enough to win it twice.”

James first captured this coveted national trophy at the age of 21, riding his brother William’s Derby winner Glenavadra Brilliant.

“It only took me another eight years to win it again,” he said. “I’ve had some nice horses in it but the only way [Just Call Me Henry] was going to knock a fence today was if I messed up.”

Eight set the pace for gripping decider

The JCL Insurance Brokers Queen Elizabeth II Cup had 29 hopefuls on the start list this year and it would have been easy to think it was an uncharacteristically soft track when there was a clear from first out Emily Seal and the 10-year-old Karmaletta.

But her ecstatic reaction demonstrated it was no small accomplishment and 11 combinations came and went before Gemma Stevens, equally thrilled with Envoy Merelsnest Z, made it a jump-off.

Ella Dalton (Hurricane VDL), Peter Moloney (Nielson), Ronnie Jones (Thomascourt Emirates) and Allana Clutterbuck (Vykinbay) joined the hunt, accompanying James into a gripping, eight-man decider.

All bets are off as lead changes rapidly

Pathfinder Emily’s tidy clear made sure the clock would dictate the outcome but the lead changed hands rapidly: Ella went more than 7sec out in front, before Peter shook off her advantage. Ronnie then gambled on a slicing the line into the double that didn’t pay, setting the fastest time but tipping the first element.

Vykinbay ate up the ground for Allana, and you’d understand why she thought she’d done enough as she edged 0.16sec out in front.

But a determined James was fresh from an impressive rankings win at Chard CSI3* and knew how to get the most from this 10-year-old gelding, who can be relied on to stay careful from full charge.

With a very quick exit from the double and turn to the final fence, he smashed the target by 1.43sec.

“He didn’t leave much to spare”

“He’s been knocking at the door for a little while, jumping a lot of rankings clears and then having an unlucky fence in the jump-off. He was good last week at Chard and it carried on to this week,” James said.

“I was very happy with the horse, I felt like he didn’t leave much to spare. The only place I was slow was back to number three, the oxer, which wasn’t a great fence for me so I knew I had to take a bit of time there. I was very tight back to the JCL fence, which is where I think I got it.”

Runner-up Allana, riding the great partner she took a shine to in France as an eight-year-old that “no one else wanted”, was again best of the under-25s. The 17-year-old gelding has been in the best of form, winning his first CSI2* grand prix at Chepstow in May.

“I’m not sure where I lost it today,” Allana said. “My plan was originally to go seven to the red and white vertical and I made it round there in six. He spends a quite a lot of time in the air, so I wonder if that’s where he lost some time, especially over the last where he jumped big.”

“I think I would definitely change a few things if I could do it again,” said third-placed Peter, who has been a threat in every jump-off he’s contested since taking over the reins of former Foxhunter champion Nielson last year. “I was too slow to number two and too conservative into the double but these guys were better than me today but I’m very pleased with my horse, he’s very consistent and tries his best every day.”

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Britain came so close to winning a third consecutive Agria Nations Cup on home soil at the Agria Royal International Horse Show – but in the end took a hard-fought second-place finish to Germany.

The team of Ben Maher (Enjeu De Grisien), Adrian Whiteway (Chacco Volo), Jessica Mendoza (Summerhouse) and Georgia Tame (Be Golden) finished on a total of 12 faults, a single pole behind winners Germany, and five faults ahead of Belgium, completing the same team podium as at the European Championships a week beforehand – just with the first and third swapping places.

“It’s fantastic to be on the podium,” said British Equestrian showjumping performance manager Di Lampard. “It was close in the end, and we had new riders again; it’s even bigger when they step up in a team for their home Nations Cup, and I couldn’t be more delighted with how they’re progressing.”

Britain had ended round one in third place on eight faults; first and second in respectively, Ben and Adrian had jumped superb clears but Jessica and Summerhouse’s eight for a foot in the water and a rail down had to count as the luck was not with Georgia, who finished on 16. Germany was on a team total of four; dropping Marcus Ehning’s (Priam Du Roset) eight, they had clears from Rene Dittmer (Corsica X) and Marco Kutscher (Catelly), so only had to count Stefan Engbers’ (Baju NRW) four for clipping last element of the triple combination.

Ireland had also gone into round two on four faults, thanks to clears from David Simpson and his 2023 Hickstead Derby winner Pjotr Van De Kruishoeve and Sean Monaghan and Toyger. Cian O’Connor (Canbella Blue PS) and Jordan Coyle (Chaccolino) had a rail each but with one of those the discard score, and Belgium in fourth on nine faults, it was all to play for in round two.

Ever the ultimate horseman, Ben jumped another clear with the super 11-year-old gelding owned by Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright. Adrian, making his five-star Nations Cup debut with Deborah Cox’s big-striding scopey stallion whom he has produced since he was four, came back in flying form but was unlucky to clip the narrow Uffington White Horse vertical for four.

“I’m thrilled,” Adrian said. “I think we were unlucky; we did exactly the same as in the first round, but that’s showjumping, and for our first attempt, I’m over the moon. Ten years ago this show, I went in that ring for the first time and won the winter novice final, last year I scraped into the five-star classes, this year I’m on the team. It’s been a hell of a year.

“I’m pretty level-headed but this is really special; I’ve watched this competition since I was a kid and to be on the team, and not mess it up, is a bit surreal. He’s an incredible horse; I’m so proud of him, happy with the result and so grateful to Deborah for all her support.”

Rene and Stefan had clocked up another clear and four for Germany respectively so Jessica knew she had to go clear. And she and her own 10-year-old gelding came back in top form to jump a faultless round and keep Britain in the mix. There was the brief prospect of a jump-off – which Jess would have been the one to contest – as Marco and Catelly again jumped clear for Germany, but although Georgia rode beautifully, the FGH Deckers and RE Deckers-Blom’s 10-year-old looking full of jump and class, she clocked up eight faults to seal second, which meant Marcus Ehning did not have to jump again.

Di paid tribute again to the strength in depth in British showjumping, after two silver medals – and four riders in the top 12 – at the Europeans, and this result a week later.

“We’re steadily getting stronger,” she said. “Ben was masterly, Jess came back to jump a fabulous clear and kept us in the hunt, and I couldn’t be more pleased with Adrian. This is encouraging – the future is looking bright!”

A special moment

German chef d’equipe Otto Becker said the team was delighted.

“But first I want to thank the Bunn family,” he said. “For us Germans, Hickstead is always special, and it means a lot to win here.

“And the most congratulations and thank you to my team. They did an amazing job today, and rode lovely rounds. It’s tough to win here; last week we were third and we were happy with that, but we are more happy to win here today.”

Marco said it had not been the plan to jump Catelly in the Nations Cup, but he had had a bad fall from Aventador S in the opening international class, so swapped rides.

“So we changed the plan, and I’m very satisfied with my horse,” he said. “He’d never jumped an open water, so I was a bit doubtful, and now very happy being double clear and winning this Nations Cup with my teammates.”

Belgium added eight to their first-round score to finish on 17; Niels Bruynseels and Origi VD Vosberg jumped the only clear so although the team could drop Annelies Vorsselmans’ (Trezeguet) eight faults, they had to count four apiece for Roy van Beek (Cavoiro) and Frederic Vernaet (Paulus-L). But this was enough for them to climb from fourth to third, as the luck was not with Ireland in round two. Cian and David had two rails each and Sean and Jordan one apiece, which meant a total of 20, and fourth place.

“Our greatest supporters”

Hickstead director Edward Bunn added his congratulations to the German team.

“It’s been nine years since they last won here, but they’ve been here for every Nations Cup; they’re our greatest supporters, so it’s good to see them win.

“Congratulations to Kelvin Bywater and Ben Townley on their course; I thought it was a very fair course and produced a great result, and importantly, Vicki Wentworth from Agria for their continued support of this fabulous competition. Without sponsors like Agria, we wouldn’t be able to invest in Hickstead, keep putting money into the facilities and making it one of the best venues in the world.”

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Gemma Stevens secured her second Ashby Underwriting Eventers’ Challenge at the Agria Royal International Horse Show, with a stallion she said is “probably one of the nicest horses I’ve ever had”.

Gemma and Cooley Park Muze went seventh of 24 and jumped one of only two clears to set a time no one – including Gemma herself with her 2022 winner Flash Cooley – could come near.

“He went round with such ease,” Gemma said. “He did jump round last year, but I didn’t go for because he was quite green and he’d never been in that arena. Then we took him to Aachen [for the ride and drive class this month] and he absolutely loved it; there were 40,000 people in that arena that evening, and he was not bothered one bit, he literally strutted his stuff into the arena. He was second in his first advanced on Saturday at Aston, and he’s come out of that absolutely bouncing, and was ready to give his best today.”

It appeared as if Gemma had set cruise control on the Rex Syndicate’s nine-year-old from the start and she barely took a check throughout; she rode the tightest lines with the utmost balance and control to finish on 122.36sec, over eight seconds clear of second-placed Alex Bragg and Ardeo Premier.

Alex, who won this class last year with Quindiva and came seventh with Pamplona today, tipped just the road crossing with “Eddie” for a final time of 130.92.

“He just turns up and he does the job,” Alex said. “He’s so reliable; whatever you put in front of him, he will take on so I trust him impeccably. He came down the bank and he sort of went off the top, then said ‘Oh, this is quite a long way down’, didn’t really know what to do and slid right to the base. He spun a shoe off – I nearly came off with the front shoe – but I sat up, put my leg on, got the steering back, and off you go.

“If you watch the next fence, you wouldn’t have thought that had just happened. And that’s him; if something like that happens, he puts it behind him, and off he goes.”

Alex said the class is a fun one, but also educational for the horses as they have to learn to pick out the fences and focus, and Gemma agreed.

“Thank you to Hickstead for still running this class and also for the changes they’ve made,” Gemma added. “I thought it was good, and encouraged more accurate riding. And this is the best surface in the world.

“It felt wonderful today. I have to say, he’s probably one of the nicest horses I’ve ever had. He’s very exciting, and what’s so good is his brain. He just loves it, he doesn’t get phased, he’s not worried by an atmosphere. He enjoys going in these big arenas and doing it.”

The other clear round went to Ellie Fredericks, daughter of 2004 Hickstead eventing grand prix winner Lucinda, riding Upper Class Brit, a granddaughter of Lucinda’s 2004 winner, the legendary Headley Britannia. They finished ninth on 140.93sec.

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Fifteen-year-old Gabriella Douglas delivered an unexpected win at Hickstead’s Agria Royal International Horse Show (RIHS), taking the Oakley Coachbuilders’ winter grade JC championship on Farravaune Shannen, a pony that wasn’t bred to showjump and on only her second-ever outing on grass.

Turning the form book on its head, the pair beat the favourites with a steady clear that was 17.44sec slower than second place, after every other combination in the nine-rider jump off faulted.

“I wasn’t very fast at all, I didn’t go for many of the turns. I just thought I’d keep her confidence up with a double clear and I’d be more than happy with that,” said Gabriella, who made the six hour trip to the show from Burnley, Lancs. “I never thought I’d win it but honestly, it feels like a massive achievement.

“I didn’t watch any of the other jump offs but I think people are eager to win and it can go to your head a bit. I just went in there looking for a double clear and sometimes that’s the best outcome.

“The first round was really nerve wracking for me because I only ever jumped on grass for the first time last week,” she added. “I could feel she was a little bit nervous and unsure but because she’s got a heart of gold and she trusts me, she just went with it.

“There were a couple of shots that were a bit off or a bit deep, but she tried so hard.”

Gabriella, who doesn’t come from a showjumping background, started riding at her cousins’ farm and began competing less than three years ago.

“I just enjoy it so much, and I was never meant to compete, but when I started doing it, I got such a buzz,” she said. “The two ponies I jump are the only two I’ve ever had, and I’ve produced them both from three-year-olds, so to win a big show like this is absolutely incredible.”

Gabriella came across now seven-year-old Farravaune Shannen, who was originally destined for the show ring, at her trainer’s yard as a “tricky” youngster and believes it was fate that their paths crossed.

“She was sent to my trainer’s yard to be sold and they were going to do working hunters with her. I sat on her and found she was really scopey and really brave,” she said.

The pair have also qualified for this year’s newcomers final at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), in what is Gabriella’s final year on ponies.

“I am so proud of her,” she added. “She wasn’t bred for it and she wasn’t meant to be the pony she is, but she tries so hard for me. She has a heart of gold and I couldn’t ask for better.”

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Watch Royal International Horse Show live from Hickstead this week and join thousands of others to enjoy five days of spectacular sport and tradition from one of the oldest horse shows in the world.

Agria Royal International Horse Show is one of the most prestigious events in the equestrian calendar. Over the week, Hickstead will play host to an array of major showing championships and showjumping competitions – and not a moment is to be missed.

You can also follow along live with our Royal International Horse Show live blog.

At a glance

• Royal International dates: 22–26 July 2026
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How to watch Royal International Horse Show on TV

There is no terrestrial TV coverage of Royal International, and ClipMyHorse.TV will be the only place you can follow all the action live or on demand. ClipMyHorse.TV is showing every class in the International Arena throughout the five days of competition. Find the broadcast schedule below.

If you’re away from home, you can use NordVPN to secure your stream of the action from anywhere in the world.

How to watch Royal International from anywhere

If you’re away from home and your normal coverage is geo-blocked, a VPN will get you your usual coverage from anywhere in the world.

There are many VPN providers out there, with some more reliable and safe than others. We’d suggest using a paid-for service such as NordVPN, where you can get an exclusive 75% off, which offers a 100% risk-free money back guarantee. If you’re not happy with the service any time within the first 30-days, then you can cancel with no penalties at all.

Royal International broadcast times

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Showjumper Mark Edwards has paid tribute to his Hickstead speed Derby winner Royale Tale after the mare was fatally injured at Bolesworth International yesterday morning (6 July).

The 10-year-old, by Mark’s great former campaigner Montreuxs Tale and owned by Martyn Edwards, was competing in a CSI4* 1.35m two-phase class and jumping clear when she sustained a catastrophic leg injury.

“We are utterly heartbroken,” said Mark. “Royale Tale, bred by Sean and Charlene Daly, was a star with immense potential. She had recently showcased her talent with a win in the speed Derby at Hickstead, along with multiple victories in speed and grand prix classes internationally over the last few years.”

Mark said Royale Tale’s standout achievements include winning the newcomers and grade C final at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) 2022, and the international Stoneleigh Stakes at HOYS the following year, as well as a two-star grand prix at Vlilamoura in 2023, and a four-star 1.50m grand prix in Warsaw and five-star class at the Royal International Horse Show last year.

“It is painful to know we will never see just how far she could have gone,” he said.

He added: “A huge thanks to our fantastic groom Brooke who has cared for her so well since last year, it’s hard to say goodbye. Thank you to everyone for their kind words and support, it means a lot.”

Royale Tale earned the 2025 Brilliance Horse Auction speed Derby title on her first attempt last month and had won CSI3* and CSI4* international classes at Bolesworth International Horse Show, presented by Al Shira’aa, over the last two weeks.

A spokesperson for Bolesworth International said: “It is with great sadness that we have to report that Royale Tale, ridden by Mark Edwards, and owned by Martyn Edwards, was put down as a result of a fracture to her hind leg.

“The horse was immediately attended and assessed by the FEI event veterinary team.

“Our thoughts and condolences are with Mark, his groom and all of Royale Tale‘s connections.”

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Ronnie-Lee Jones shares his thoughts on Hickstead’s upgrades and has some advice for aspiring riders

It was great to see very large numbers of horses and riders competing at Hickstead, one of our best shows in the country. The improvements they have made are outstanding and the new international barn was faultless.

My partner Alex had his top horse in the CSI4* classes and although we had some very hot days, the international stables were at least 10°C cooler than outside. The thought that has gone into the layout and architecture, such as muck heaps and windows for horses, was admirable.

The stands were packed – it was good to see that showjumping is still relevant and attracting people for a day out. The footfall added to the atmosphere, which is vital for young horses to experience.

Even the VIP catering, which we were lucky enough to enjoy from the private viewing boxes, was fantastic. Every effort was made.

We had some great results over the week from top placings in a 1.45m to British novice and age classes, so we were able to take every horse in the yard and came home feeling well-accomplished.

Shaping up for an exciting HOYS

I’ve noticed a massive change this year in the standard of horses in our sport and the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) qualifiers are definitely busier. In previous years I’ve competed in grade Cs with as few as 12 entries plus newcomers and Foxhunter regionals with a maximum of 40, but this year numbers have been huge.

Strong but considerate course-building has meant there have been 10-plus in the third round and every qualifier we’ve attended has been super-competitive. It’s shaping up to be a very exciting HOYS for 2025, showcasing the up-and-coming talent the UK has to offer.

Rowland Fernyhough’s column challenged the relevance of the current HOYS finals and fairness of the qualifying system. He made some valid points.

My feelings are that the system is the system and has been this way for years – although it wouldn’t hurt to have a shake-up of the rules to exclude older horses.

Horses need to be quality to be competitive over three rounds and the current format doesn’t detract from that. If anything, it highlights the talented younger horses that are still able to rise to the top of those classes.

Young and upcoming riders wanting a career in our industry can aspire to some of the results our top riders have achieved in this year’s qualifiers.

Laura Renwick has secured multiple tickets on home-breds while Holly Smith has almost 10 tickets to the various HOYS finals.

This sort of consistency is something the younger generation should look up to, as it only happens with huge amounts of hard work, knowledge and experience.

Exciting qualifiers with competitive jump-offs also make for great watching and are what we need to attract future investors to our sport.

TV coverage is a positive step

Coverage of the London Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) in August on ITVX will hopefully raise the profile of our great sport, highlighting both the lifestyle and top-class sportsmanship. It’s a positive step forward this year and I hope it continues.

● Did you attend this year’s Hickstead Derby Meeting? Let us know about your experience at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance for your letter to appear in a forthcoming issue of the magazine

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Anything Dad can do, we can do better!

Robert Whitaker’s young daughters must have thought something of this type, as they secured a win in the International Arena at Hickstead days after he did.

Robert won his first Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby title on 22 June, and on 27 June, Evie Whitaker, 12, and her nine-year-old sister Millie were on the team that won the junior schools team title at the Hurst College National Schools Jumping Championships. The Burgess Hill Girls team fielded only three combinations so had no drop score but Evie (Little Impressario), Millie (Barleyfields Button) and 13-year-old Scarlett Zakihani (Raindancer III) jumped a clear round each to win, ahead of St Hugh’s Oxfordshire in second and Hurst Red third.

“We weren’t really expecting it, but it’s just cool to win in the main ring at Hickstead,” said Evie, who will be back in the ring for the 128cm final at the Agria Royal International Horse Show (22-27 July).

Scarlett, who has only had her pony for a couple of months, added: “This is the first time we’ve been together as a team, and there’s only three of us and most people had four.”

The junior individual title went to nine-year-old Harlow Wiek and Merlin, of Borough Primary Green.

“He’s the best pony in the world, and I’m so happy we qualified for the main arena,” said Harlow.

Pangbourne College – Olivia Carter (Sonic), Maisie Stephenson (Jolene), Sophie Simpson (Lola) and Connie Mumby (Sugar Rush) – won the senior team title, and the senior individual title went to Freddie Hodges and Muze VD Withoeve, of Leventhorpe School.

The Hickstead Elite 1.10m NSEA individual championship, went to 17-year-old Felsted pupil Amelia Keen and Fork Lightning, for the second year running.

“I’m so happy that she proved it wasn’t just a one-off last year, and she could actually do it again this year, I’m very proud of her,” said Amelia.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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Victoria Bertorelli was in “total disbelief” when her own one-eyed former racehorse landed the Tattersalls Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) amateur ridden championship at the Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby Meeting.

Victoria rode 16-year-old An Cathaoir (Angus) – by Turtle Island out of Money for Buttons – to win the National Hunt (NH) amateur section en route to the championship. The pair also finished second in the open National Hunt ridden final to Royal Windsor winner Falloway Dubreau and Eve Nicholls.

“He had a pretty poor racing career,” said Victoria, who works full time at The Hunting Shop. “He had been bought to be a chaser but only made it round a few point-to-points before they realised he spent too much time in the air over jumps.”

Victoria bought Angus during the 2020 lockdown. She explained: “He’d been a huntsman’s horse following the Pembrokeshire and Brecon Farmers hunts, so this is actually his second career change from racing.”

With limited fixtures in 2020, the pair managed just two outings before Angus was diagnosed with uveitis and had to have his eye removed two months later.

“It was the best decision we have ever made and he bounced back from it easily, but then he was injured and spent 12 months in rehabilitation,” she said.

But he bounced back again and they have enjoyed successes since including winning at the Royal Welsh show twice and good placings at the Aintree RoR Championships and London International.

Angus and Victoria also compete in dressage and have qualified for the British Riding Clubs National Championships.

“I came out this year hoping to finish in the top three at the Derby meeting as I always wanted to gallop up that grandstand in the International Arena and we got to do it twice – I don’t think I will ever get that feeling again. Angus came alive in that ring and the more people cheered, the more he galloped,” said Victoria, who believes Angus is the first show horse with one eye to have won in the main arena at Hickstead, following in the footsteps of showjumper and 2014 Derby winner Adventure de Kannan.

“My ultimate goal for this year is to qualify for Horse of the Year Show, but if we don’t get there it’s ok – we have just won the ROR Tattersalls amateur final! He’s my one-eyed legend.”

In reserve for the amateur championship was HOYS-bound Maisie Bush and Joe Warbrick.

This was one of three prestigious RoR finals last week.

Taking top honours in the Hickstead Tattersalls RoR open ridden show series final were last year’s reserve champions Festive Fare and Rebecca Court, who pipped The King’s former HOYS and Royal Windsor winner First Receiver and Katie Jerram-Hunnable to the post.

At the Royal Highland Show in Edinburgh, Rich Man Poor Man, owned by Morean Hamilton and ridden by producer Kristine Douglas was champion in the Tattersalls RoR open ridden Scottish show series for the third time.

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A teenage rider made his first trip to Hickstead – and Britain – a memorable one, winning all four of the classes he contested – having started his riding on racing camels.

The Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby meeting was also a first time jumping on grass for 16-year-old Mabkhout Alkarbi, who landed the qualifier for, and final of, the Fly Free 1.25m open with Casscalina Z, and the Doney Championship with Harry 233, both owned by Al Shira’aa Farms.

The UAE rider had an unusual start to his riding career, racing camels, with huge success.

“I won three or four races, and won cars, but my brother got them as I’m not old enough to drive,” he said, adding that the racing camels can reach 40mph, in a sprint, and that his most successful cameline partner was called Hatash.

“Then I started riding horses, jumping about 1.10m/1.20m, and now I’m with them every day,” he said. “My brother likes the camels, but I prefer the horses, and camels don’t jump!”

Mabkhout, whose nickname is Lucky as his name is translated as “fortunate” or “blessed” in English, said his father built a successful camel breeding stud.

A friend of the family told H&H he lives for the horses and is highly dedicated; having spent years shadowing other family members and learning the trade, he is now enjoying the fruits of his long labour.

After his fourth win of the meeting yesterday (22 June), Mabkhout thanked Al Shira’aa Farms for the opportunity to ride “the best horses in the world”.

“It feels very good,” he said. “I’m very happy.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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Mark Edwards is the “man to beat, every time he goes in the ring”, and he proved it once again today, as he and the fabulous Royale Tale won the Brilliance Horse Auction Speed Derby on their first attempt.

Mark and the 10-year-old jumped one of only two clears to clinch the title in 95.8sec, with Joe Whitaker (Icaterina) second in 103.63 and Jess Hewitt (Hot Bluebird) third in 103.95.

Mark has been flying of late; he and Flying Tinker II won on the opening day of the Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby meeting, which came hot on the heels of Mark’s clean sweep at the South of England Show (6-8 June).

“She’s been on great form,” Mark said. “She’s naturally quick and a real winner.”

Mark said his plan was to start in a good rhythm, and they were smooth as silk all the way to the bank, which the mare, by Mark’s great former campaigner Montreuxs Tale and bred by Sean and Charlene Daly, popped up and down as if she’d been doing it all her life.

“Then we set sail from there,” he said. “We just just kept running, in a good rhythm, all the way to the finish. It was great fun, and a real thrill to be involved.”

Joe had gone briefly into the lead with Kathy Tansey’s 12-year-old mare, as the combination just before Mark, hitting just the gate at fence 12 and bellowed home by his uncle Michael and father Stephen.

“She never really got on the bridle well enough to be competitive, to keep up with Mark,” he said. “But she settled very well, and she’s such a genuine mare. I took the pedal off the gas, had an extra stride here and there and she got her confidence back. She had a little step back on the bank, which didn’t help but actually she felt more comfortable coming home and thankfully, I was quick enough to get second, so I’m absolutely delighted. Hopefully we’ll give it another spin next year.”

Jess, who came third last year with Hot Bluebird, said someone asked her for her prediction before the class.

“I said Mark will win it, Joe will be second, and if I do my best round, I might be third,” she said. “It’s Joe who got my horse going down banks as he’s got one and he’s let me practise both years – maybe he won’t let me next year!”

Mark was asked if he might return to try to beat Guy Williams’ 2015 course record time of 92.81 but said he may aim Royale Tale for the Derby itself next year.

“The way she went in the Derby trial yesterday, I think she would be really good at the Derby,” he said. “She should have gone clear but I mucked it up; we were tempted to put her in tomorrow and leave her for today, but maybe we made the right decision.”

Before the class, Jay Halim, who came sixth with Gentle, had also been asked for his predictions; he said Mark would win and “everyone else is battling for second”.

“I think everybody had that opinion,” Joe said. “His horses are going great; he’s the man to beat every time he goes in the ring at the moment, wherever he is.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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Shane Breen came in last to swipe the Clipmyhorse.tv Master’s Trophy from under his brother Trevor’s nose at the Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby meeting – with his “future dream horse”.

Trevor and Luidam’s Warrior had held the lead from first draw in the 12-strong jump-off with a beautifully balanced and deceptively fast round, until Shane and BP Arctic Blue came in and took over a second off their time.

“He said: ‘What did you do that for; I knew you were going to do that’!” Shane joked afterwards. “I saw him go and it was a very good round, neat and tight, but I thought I’d go full speed to the first. The late Con Power once told me that if you gallop through the start beams, you’ll always be half a second ahead of everyone, so I just thought ‘gallop’!”

Shane and Gibbs Int Ltd and S Richards’ nine-year-old then took a few strides out, including a flier to the last double.

“I didn’t know if I’d beaten Trevor, then looked at the clock and was dead chuffed,” he said. “Arctic Blue is an absolutely incredible horse.”

Shane spotted the son of A Pikachu De Muze as a five-year-old, then he and his wife Chloe bought him at the end of 2023.

“I always thought he looked like a dream horse,” he said. “I produced him quietly last year, and this year he’s been amazing; he’s jumped six grands prix, won one, second in four and third, and he’s an absolute pleasure. He’s super smart and a great character, and he gives me everything; you can feel his whole body, like an elastic band. And all he wants is a few Polos and cuddles. He wants to be a celebrity, and hopefully he will be. Nine years old and for me, he’s my future dream horse.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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Guy Williams had a superb win in the Agria Hickstead Derby trial, on a horse he has only had two weeks – and came equal second on a horse he’s had six weeks.

As far as suspense-filled jump-offs go, this one would not make the top 10, as there was only Guy in it. He had jumped clear with Crumbgraft and BH Gringos Legacy, and as the only other clear, last year’s third-placed Derby combination Carlos Mota Ribas and Juan Van’T Arkelhof, elected not to jump off, Guy just had to go in on one of his horses to win it.

He and Claudio Zapata Stcliffe’s 10-year-old gelding Crumbgraft tipped the first part of the combination and the last oxer, but the super-scopey grey looked full of jump and enthusiasm for the job.

“I’ve never won the Hickstead Derby trial, and I thought I’d like to get my name on the wall!” Guy said. “I’ve only had him two weeks; I jumped him in a 1.40m not long ago, and it was a bit rusty, to say the least. Today, I thought the other class hasn’t got much prize money, so if I got lucky in this one, I could win a bit to pay [Hickstead director] Lizzie!”

Guy has been riding James Adams Riley’s 10-year-old mare Legacy for that bit longer – four weeks more – and she has already won ranking classes in Spain and France. She and Guy came fourth in the Hambury Derby this month.

“She probably should have won that, but I made a mistake, I held her a bit,” he said. “I was very confident today she was going to be clear – she’s a really good horse, an eventer, who doesn’t look backwards at all; her main thought is forwards.”

Carlos Mota Ribas and Juan Van’T Arkelho lose 100lbs in Hickstead Derby prep

Carlos, who has been placed in the speed Derby and had multiple placings in the Derby itself, promised last year that one day he would lift the Boomerang Trophy.

“I scratched from the jump-off as he’s 16 now, and has had knee surgery – and he’s everything to me,” he said. “I’d rather have him good on Sunday to give this crowd a good show, try to be in the jump-off, try to be clear and try to win. That’s something I’ve never accomplished so far.”

Carlos said he learns every year, watching the other riders and himself.

“I go home, I watch all the videos, I study what I did wrong,” he said. “What can I do better? How can I train better? This year, my horse is 80lb lighter, I am 20lb lighter, so we have 100 pounds less on the boat. I try to do everything possible, and it’s in the lap of the gods on Sunday.”

And asked which of his two promising rides he would tip over the other for the win on Sunday, Guy, who won the title in 2010 with Skip Two Ramiro said: “Legacy. Without a doubt.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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Trevor Breen made a winning Hickstead comeback, a year after he broke his neck and back in a potentially career-ending fall.

The Irish rider and his wife Caroline’s Kannoon Blue won the Astore & Sons 1.35m Open Championship on the opening day of competition in the International Arena, at the Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby meeting.

Trevor said it is “always lovely” to win at his local show, but this time was extra special.

The Irish medal-winning rider suffered three fractures of his lower neck and back, in the fall in Hamburg last May. He underwent immediate surgery and it was found later that he had been millimetres from severing his spinal cord.

But he has made a remarkable recovery, and showed that he is back to his best as he and the nine-year-old homebred, a half brother of Trevor’s European silver medal winner Highland President, beat Carmen Edwards and Vigo Cruz into second.

“It’s a bit more special because he’s a home-bred, and myself, Caroline and my father own him,” Trevor said. “He’s a similar type, but he’s probably not as difficult as Highland President. He has his own quirks, in his own way, but he’s a very talented jumper. I’ve taken my time with him and now, he’s getting to step up a bit.”

Trevor said Kannoon Blue’s first trip round the International Arena set him up perfectly for Aachen in a fortnight’s time.

“This couldn’t have gone any better,” he said. “Until this year, he’d just jumped in national shows, then I took him to the UAE over the winter, which was his first real taste of international sport. Since then, he’s been on a very upward trajectory, but he’s taken everything in his stride so far.

“It was really easy today – he can go a little spooky but he didn’t at all in there. He was very confident, and it was very easy for him. He gave me a great spin; it was really easy work for me and that was a really good feeling.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

It’s a unique challenge of skill, ability and bravery, so what does it take to ride round Hickstead’s famous Derby fences? 2022 winner Shane Breen guides us round ahead of this year’s renewal, which takes place on Sunday 22 June

Since the master of Hickstead Douglas Bunn held the first Hickstead Derby in 1961, the class has attracted a succession of the world’s leading athletes and horses ready to bravely tackle its notorious fences, from the fiendishly difficult Devil’s Dyke to the world renowned 10ft 6in Bank.

Clear rounds are remarkably hard to achieve, so what does it take? The 2022 winner of the Hickstead Derby Shane Breen shares his insight.

“There’s nothing quite like trotting into the International Arena at Hickstead to compete in this special class,” says Shane, who won the Hickstead Derby with the sole clear on Can Ya Makan three years ago.

“Many of the experienced horses rise to the occasion, but when the crowd applauds it’s natural for them to get a bit anxious – they know it’s show time. From a rider’s point of view, you’re therefore trying to get them settled and relaxed before the bell rings for you to start.”

• If you’re interested in watching the Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby action in person, you can buy tickets here.

How to ride the Hickstead Derby, fence by fence

Fence 1: The Cornishman (4ft 8in/1.42m)

“Horses don’t normally spook at a fence like this; even Hickstead Derby newcomers will have jumped a similar brick wall. Never dismiss it though – one year John Ledingham and Kilbaha did a funny slip coming into it in the jump-off and knocked the rustic pole off the top. You can’t take anything for granted around the Hickstead Derby.”

Fence 2: white oxer (4ft 3in/1.30m high and 6ft 6in/1.98m wide)

“You have to steer around the Irish bank to get to this oxer of white poles, so the horses don’t see it until quite late. It’s not that high but it is very wide, so you can’t just waltz round the corner under-paced and expect them to clear it. Some horses can get a bit high over it because they’re not used to seeing Christmas trees in a jump like that, but again it’s Derby day so people have schooled and prepared – the course hasn’t changed for 60 years so you can do your homework.”

Fence 3a and b: double of water ditches (5ft/1.52m and 5ft 2in/1.57m)

“These are all about straightness, the approach and good rhythm. The fences are very tall and if it’s a sunny day you can get glare off the water underneath, so with that, the blue of the water and the white rails, you do have to focus to see the poles. The ground is running downhill, so you need to keep your leg on but sit tall.

“You land and you’ve one stride before the second obstacle, which is exactly like the first but even bigger. They’re a bit like jumping two triple bars because from take-off to clearing the top rail is such a stretch. You need to meet the first fence on a good stride with good pace so the second one comes easy – miss it and the second one feels twice as big and wide!”

Fence 4: black gate (5ft 3in/1.60m)

“The Hickstead Derby’s time allowed is generous, but almost everyone turns inside the balustrade to get to the gate because you’re giving yourself a bit of extra time if you need to be patient later on, at the Bank, say. So you swing left, then you keep straight before you do a nice flying change to the right. The gate is maximum height and falls easily, so it takes precision, but it’s also placed beside the pond, which doesn’t seem to give the horses any problems but it’s down to the rider to get a nice rhythm, very balanced and a good stride. You rarely see gates in jumping tracks nowadays but it does jump well.”

Fence 5: wall (5ft 3in/1.60m)

“Similarly the wall is one of the tallest on course, with an arch underneath, but very rarely do you see a horse take a brick off. The fence is lighter than years before when it was chunkier and wider.”

Fence 6: privet hedge oxer (4ft 11in/1.50m high and 6ft 6in/1.98m wide)

“It’s wide and those poles are about 16 ft long, which is remarkable. You’re coming away from the in-gate, so again you need to make sure your rhythm is correct and you’re on a good stride to make it easy for the horse to clear it – there’s still a long way to go, so you don’t want them having to overexert themselves at this stage.”

Fence 7a and b: road jump (5ft/1.52m and 5ft 2in/1.57m)

“You’re drawn here nicely on a line from the hedge and again the poles here are so long that every horse seems to hit it in the middle. You jump onto the higher ground, then there are three strides across the top before you jump out, and you can really feel the drop.”

Fence 8: Derby bank (3ft 5in/1.04m rail followed by 10ft 6in/3.20m drop)

“You’ve a bit of time now to fix your hat or give your horse a reassuring pat on the neck. You’re in your own little world, but you can feel the hush of the crowd waiting to see how you’ll execute the Bank. You canter up and ideally you just pop over the fence at the top to give you time to steady up before the drop – the fence is small in comparison with everything else, but it’s still big enough, especially situated up there, to warrant respect.

“Obviously you won’t have schooled over a bank with those kind of dimensions but everybody will have prepared down a bank of some description because you want your horse to be really confident so that when you’ve come to a standstill at the top, there’s no risk of them stepping back, or even putting too much pressure on and going down too quick.

“When he makes the initial descent with his front legs, he should know to gently follow on until halfway down before he pops off the side of it. I’ve ridden it the same way every year – pop the fence, steady up, talk to the horse, let them do their thing.”

Fence 9: white rails (5ft 3in/1.60m)

“It doesn’t always go smoothly, of course, but the perfect descent allows you two very nice normal strides to the rails, which are tall. If you’re clear over them, it’s a very welcome round of applause! But you have to block that out because this is where you need to steer your route carefully to the Devil’s Dyke.”

Fence 10a, b and c: Devil’s Dyke (4ft 9in/1.45m, 4ft 9in/1.45m and 4ft 8in/1.42m)

“Opinion is divided here, some go to the left of the road jump, some go to the right but keep away from the crowds, but in the last few years I’ve come to the right of the road jump and cantered all the way up along the rail. I try to go far enough along that when I come off the fence, I’ve four strides.

“Horses tend to drift right through the Dyke because of the camber, so I jump the opening fence slightly left of centre, so they’ll hit the b part in the middle, hoping they’ll only be slightly right of centre for the c element. It’s also quite a steep drop from take-off to landing over fence a, which catches the horse’s eye, taking their attention away from the pole and that’s when you can have a fault. It really is a combination like no other.”

Fence 11: open water (15ft/5.6m wide)

“By this point, horses have had two out-of-the-ordinary experiences with the Bank and Devil’s Dyke so it’s time for you both to take a deep breath, especially if you’re still clear. There’s a 3m rise in gradient from the bottom of the arena to the Master’s Box, so you’re travelling uphill at this point so you don’t want to set off at the water too early.

“I find you’re better off to get up the hill, then when you turn for the water, pick up the distance you want and kick on! Water jumps can cause horses to spook and wobble in normal jumping classes, but interestingly in the Derby the water doesn’t seem to cause any trouble.”

Fence 12: Derby rails (5ft 3in/1.60m)

“After the water you have 10 or 11 strides to the very tall Derby rails – most people seem to jump it on the right hand side of its five sections because it’s then a tight enough turn back to the dry ditch.”

Fence 13: dry ditch (5ft 1in/1.55m high, 6ft /1.8m wide ditch)

“Dimension-wise, this is quite similar to fence three, the double of water ditches – it’s quite a stretch but if the horses are confident about jumping the dry ditch, they normally clear it well.”

Fence 14: balustrades (5ft 3in/1.60m)

“Seven or eight strides later – which is purely down to the rider’s discretion and I’ve done both, but eight strides is my preference as it keeps you more balanced – the balustrades normally jump well. However, you’re travelling downhill again and if the horses are getting a bit tired, they can land over the dry ditch on their forehand.”

Fence 15a and b: double of gates (4ft 10in/1.47m and second element 5ft 6in/1.68m wide)

“You’re turning left-handed to go back up the arena, so you want to try to get a tired horse nicely collected, with good power in the hindlegs, to jump the first gate, then it’s one stride and a stretch over the second gate with a pole out the back. It’s wide, and horses tend to back off the gates, so it’s quite an effort for a horse who has made a lot of effort already in the last 85 seconds!”

Fence 16: rustic oxer (4ft 10in/1.47m high, 6ft 6in/1.98m wide)

“I wouldn’t go looking at the time here, but depending on your horse or whether you’ve had a delay earlier on, you might check it as you reach the home straight. It takes time to get to the final big, brown oxer with Christmas trees in the middle, because you’re coming round the water jump, making it easier to find your line.

“There are four sections and it’s quite long, which is good because it means you can ride at it a bit – but you also have to keep your cool and ride it like it’s fence two, not like you’re about to win the Derby! It ain’t over till the fat lady sings and that big oxer requires your full attention. Your horse has helped you over the previous 15 fences and you’re a partnership so don’t let your guard down here – it’s your turn to support him and help the horse jump it.

“Riders tend to pick one of the uprights to aim at because the poles are flush with the uprights, which encourages a horse to jump a bit higher. If you land and you’re clear, there’s a great cheer from the packed stands – there really is no better feeling.”

Heading to Hickstead? Don’t miss some great shopping…

There are more than 120 tradestands, up 10% from last year, for you to get stuck into if you’re heading to the Hickstead Derby meeting this week (19–22 June).

From fashion to street food, there’s something for everyone, so don’t miss out.

Has this whetted your appetite? Buy tickets to the Hickstead Derby meeting now

If you’d like to head to the Hickstead Derby meeting this week, you can buy tickets here.

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Credit: Future

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The first major show to be held at Hickstead this year is the Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby Meeting (19-22 June), and if you can’t attend in person, here’s how to watch Hickstead on TV.

There will be a huge number of showjumping classes, culminating in the iconic Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby on Sunday 22 June, as well as the usual showing and carriage driving classes.

The ClipMyHorse.TV streaming service will be showing all of the action from the International Arena at Hickstead for a fee in the UK. If you’re abroad, and trying to watch ClipMyHorse.TV like you normally would back in the UK, then you can use a VPN. Check out NordVPN, where you can get 72% off, plus a £50 Amazon gift card and a 30-day money back guarantee, and follow the instructions below.

How to watch Hickstead on TV

There will be no terrestrial TV coverage available from this year’s Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby Meeting.

You can follow all the live action from the International Arena at Hickstead on ClipMyHorse.TV. Subscriptions to this livestream start from £17.33 per month.

Classes will be available to view on demand at ClipMyHorse.TV soon after the completion of the competition, where rider clips will be available to purchase.

How to watch Hickstead from anywhere

Not in the UK right now? You don’t have to miss out on any of the action from Hickstead.

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) will alter your device’s IP address to make it appear to be in a different country, allowing you to access your usual streaming services from anywhere in the world. It’s great for watching horse sport on the move, and it’s also handy even if you’re watching at home. VPNs are designed with internet security in mind, creating encrypted connections that keep your data safe from third parties and improve streaming speeds by preventing bandwidth ‘throttling’ from your internet service provider.

There are many VPN providers out there, with some more reliable and safe than others. We’d suggest using a paid-for service such as NordVPN, which is the best VPN in the world according to our colleagues at TechRadar.

How to use a VPN

Using a VPN is incredibly simple.

1. Install the VPN of your choice. NordVPN is the one we recommend.

2. Open up the VPN app and choose the location of the service you wish to access.

3. Then head over to ClipMyHorse on your browser or device and enjoy the livestream.

We recommend VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:

• Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service)
• Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad

We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing. 

Advance tickets for the Hickstead Derby meeting are now on sale

Hickstead Derby legend bids for historic comeback: ‘A fifth one would be nice!’

Credit: Future

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Royal Windsor Horse Show (15 to 18 May) has announced Spinal Research as its official charity for 2025.

The show will support the charity through donations, bucket collections and promotion.

Spinal Research chief executive Luisa McGinn said the partnership is a “tremendous opportunity” for the charity to share its “vision with a global audience”.

“We’re incredibly grateful to the show for providing a platform to raise awareness and funds, which will enable us to continue funding groundbreaking research and ultimately work towards a cure for paralysis,” she said.

The charity has many equestrian links. Spinal Research chairman Tara Stewart sustained a life-changing spinal cord injury in 2014, when she broke her neck in a fall from a horse (C6-7), leaving her paralysed from the chest down. She has since been a passionate advocate for the need for major funding for spinal cord injury research.

Ginny Elliott is a patron of the charity, and Nicola Wilson and Spencer Sturmey are both involved as equestrian ambassadors.

Royal Windsor Horse Show event director James Shaw added: “We are truly delighted to name Spinal Research as the official show charity for 2025.

“The charity’s work is extraordinary, and we are proud to support their mission to improve the lives of those affected by spinal cord injuries, not just in the UK, but worldwide. We hope this partnership will help raise significant awareness and contribute to the progress of life-changing research.”

New sponsor for Queen Elizabeth II Cup

JCL Insurance Brokers has signed a three-year deal as the new title sponsor of the Queen Elizabeth II Cup at Hickstead.

The prestigious class is open to the highest-ranked national riders in Britain and will be held on 26 July at the Agria Royal International Horse Show.

The class used to be open to lady riders only, but was changed in 2008 when men and women were allowed to compete in both the Queen Elizabeth II Cup and the King George V Gold Cup. Recent winners include Harriet Biddick, Shane Breen, David Simpson and Jessica Burke.

Jane Chewins, managing director of JCL Insurance Brokers, said: “I have watched the Royal International and the Derby meeting at Hickstead from a very early age. It features heavily in my calendar on an annual basis, so to have the opportunity to work with such an iconic venue and with such lovely people is such a wonderful achievement, and something I am very proud of!”

Hickstead director Lizzie Bunn added: “Thank you to JCL Insurance Brokers for joining our valued roster of sponsors for this season. The Queen Elizabeth II Cup is a class with a rich history, and an important target for many British-based riders every summer.”

Exciting deals for major show

Falsterbo Horse Show (5 to 13 July) revealed it has signed deals with Al Shira’aa and Rolex, in two major new partnerships.

The Swedish show welcomes Al Shira’aa as its new title sponsor in a six-year deal – and has also entered a long-term partnership with Rolex. The watch brand takes title sponsorship of the €500,000 (£414,308) Rolex grand prix (13 July) and is also the show’s official timepiece.

“I am of course very happy with the new long-term partnership with Al Shira’aa and also honored that [founder and owner of Al Shira’aa Stables] HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan has accepted the role of honorary president of the organising committee,” said show president Jana Wannius.

“This collaboration strengthens the continued development of Falsterbo Horse Show, with the horses, the sport, the riders, and our fantastic Falsterbo audience as our top priority. The future of Falsterbo Horse Show – and Swedish equestrian sport – looks bright!”

He added: “We work hard to develop both the event and the sport to attract the world’s best riders to Falsterbo. Collaborating with committed and like-minded sponsors such as Rolex is crucial to achieving this. We are delighted to work with Rolex to continue developing the sport into the future.”

Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan said: “Horses have been an integral part of my family’s and my nation’s heritage for centuries. They symbolise strength, grace and an extraordinary partnership. Their significance extends beyond sport – they are central to our culture, embodying the deep-rooted traditions of the United Arab Emirates.

“This tournament honours and celebrates the riders who inspire us with their talent and dedication, the breeders and farmers who devote their lives to raising extraordinary horses, and the countless individuals who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to sustain the Falsterbo Horse Show over the years.

“Together, they create an environment where equestrian heritage thrives, bringing people together from around the world to admire and appreciate the noble animal that unites us all. This event is about more than sport; it is about preserving culture, tradition and the incredible efforts of a community driven by their love for horses.”

Her Highness has also been appointed honorary president of Bolesworth International (26 June to 6 July), which is presented by Al Shira’aa. Bolesworth steps back up to CSI4* status in 2025 and the feature Al Shira’aa CSI4* grand prix (5 July) boasts a £100,000 prize pot.

HOYS reveals more sponsors for 2025

Shine Source Footwear UK LTD and Thor Atkinson Steel Fabrications Ltd are among the sponsors being welcomed to Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) in 2025.

Shine Source Footwear will take on sponsorship of the show hunter pony classes. Thor Atkinson Steel Fabrications will sponsor the junior mountain and moorland ridden small breeds and ridden large breeds classes, and the junior mountain and moorland ridden pony of the year championship.

A representative of Shine Source Footwear UK LTD said the firm is “delighted” to be supporting HOYS and wishes “the best of luck to everyone competing in the qualifiers”.

Jemma Atkinson of Thor Atkinson Steel Fabrications Ltd said: “HOYS is one of the biggest equestrian events of the year, which as a family, we look forward to attending. It will be very special for us to be part of the HOYS magic and wish all competitors the best of luck in trying to qualify this year.”

Charles Owen extends partnership with British Eventing

Hat and body protector manufacturer Charles Owen is extending its role as British Eventing’s official safety partner for a further two years.

“At Charles Owen, safety is not just a commitment, it’s a legacy,” said Jade Faulkner, head of product and brand development at Charles Owen.

“We are proud to continue our partnership with British Eventing, reinforcing our shared dedication to the protection and performance of riders at all levels.

“As we move forward, we remain steadfast in blending cutting-edge safety with timeless craftsmanship, ensuring riders can compete with confidence and style. Honouring the past, inspiring the future, we are committed to evolving equestrian safety and empowering athletes to reach new heights.”

British Eventing chief executive Rosie Williams added: “We’re delighted to be aligned with such a long-standing and highly respected brand whose commitment to safety, with their ongoing research and development strategy, matches our own.

“Charles Owen has been keeping our riders safe for decades and we look forward to continuing our relationship for the benefit of our members and riders who compete in our sport.”

Boost for British Champions Day – and end of the road for series

QIPCO British Champions Day 2025 (18 October) will be the first British raceday to hold five Group One races, following the upgrade of the QIPCO British Champions Long Distance Cup.

Prize money for the Long Distance Cup will be increased to £500,000. The meeting will also feature a new £250,000 race for two-year-olds, taking the total value of the day to £4.35m.

The announcement comes alongside the news that the British Champions Series will cease from this year, as the business prioritises delivering British Champions Day, progressing its youth racing club “Club 26”, and expanding its hall of fame.

The 35 Group One and Group Two races that made up the series will still continue to be promoted through the company’s social media platforms.

Rod Street, chief executive of British Champions Series Limited, the company responsible for QIPCO British Champions Day, said: “The series was helpful in creating focus on the road that led to QIPCO British Champions Day, especially in the early years, but its profile and purpose have been superseded by two newer assets: Club 26 and the hall of fame.

“We are grateful to our sponsor, QIPCO, which has sponsored the series and day since inception in 2011 and, earlier this year, extended its sponsorship of the day to 2026. Without its multi-million-pound investment, British racing would not have been able to deliver the innovation of British Champions Day, record prize money, nor the significant promotional assets we now possess.”

David Redvers, Qatar Racing’s manager and spokesperson for the sponsor, said: “After 15 years of QIPCO’s ground-breaking sponsorship of British Champions Series, it is very gratifying to see that QIPCO British Champions Day continues to evolve and thrive.

“We are proud to see that the QIPCO British Champions Long Distance Cup has been upgraded to Group One status, and the introduction of a new £250k British Champions Day juvenile race is a welcome addition and goes further towards making this one of the greatest championship days in horseracing worldwide.

“Sheikh Fahad and his brothers are also delighted to see the evolution of the hall of fame and that Club 26 has rapidly become one of the largest and most successful clubs of its type in horseracing.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The FEI said it “recognises the challenges” faced by organisers, after Hickstead was forced to cancel the All England Dressage Festival as it could not be made viable.

H&H reported that the event, which had grown from a Premier League show in 2021 to a six-day CDI3* and CPEDI, could not continue to run, as Hickstead director Lizzie Bunn said the numbers did not add up.

“The timing of the event in May made things challenging due to the weather, but the main reason is that we cannot make it economically viable,” she said, having thanked all those who had supported the event. “The costs – particularly of judges and officials – at over £50,000 are exorbitant and, despite our best efforts, the event still ran at a loss.”

Olympic rider Richard Davison, who was dressage technical consultant for the Bolesworth and Windsor CDI4* events, told H&H the cancellation “reflects what has been known for some time”.

“Privately funded and non-subsidised standalone CDI events are just not viable,” he said.

“While some non-state-subsidised European CDIs have survived thanks to private benefactors, that is not sustainable.

“It is critical the FEI reviews regulations that affect organisers’ costs, such as the mandatory number of officials and length of tests, which affect revenue derived from entry fees, among other aspects.

“Where organisers combine CDIs with other disciplines and attractions, it is possible to offset some costs, especially where there is sufficient spectator interest reflected in non-discounted ticket sales, such as in freestyle classes.”

British Dressage (BD) CEO Jason Brautigam told H&H BD had been working with Hickstead to try to ensure the event remained viable, including contributing financially, with British Equestrian, to support the CDI and CPEDI.

“We are obviously very disappointed to lose the event for 2025, as it has been a popular show with members and well supported,” he said. “The cost-of-living crisis and high inflation over the last three years has had a negative impact on all our major events, including our winter and national championships, so we appreciate it’s a difficult economic climate.

“Nevertheless, we will continue to do what we can to work with our affiliated venues to mitigate the impact of these commercial pressures – and we hope dressage will return to Hickstead in the near future.”

The FEI told H&H it cannot comment on any organiser’s financial situation.

“Having said that, the FEI recognises the challenges faced by equestrian event organisers, where rising organisational costs can represent a significant hurdle,” a spokesperson said.

“To have an open dialogue with all stakeholders, two sessions at the FEI Sports Forum 2024 were dedicated to exploring ways to increase engagement among national federations and organising committees in hosting FEI championships. A key point of discussion was the potential for reducing organisational costs to enhance feasibility and sustainability.

“In relation to dressage officials, it is important to underline that officials play a fundamental role in safeguarding essential aspects of dressage events, from ensuring fair and balanced scoring to upholding the welfare and safety of the horses.

“Due to the complexity of dressage judging, which involves evaluating both horse and rider from multiple perspectives, it is widely recognised that a minimum number of judges is necessary to ensure fair and consistent performance assessments.”

The spokesperson said the FEI has proposed reducing the ground jury size from seven to five judges for the dressage World Cup Final, adding: “The dressage test format is also under consideration as part of the FEI’s future strategy for the sport.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout major shows such as London International and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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There will be no dressage competition at Hickstead next year, as the event cannot be made financially viable.

The All England Dressage Festival at the West Sussex showground ran as a three-day Premier League show in 2021, after the cancellation of the Dressage at Hickstead series, and grew to a six-day CDI3* and CPEDI fixture by this year.

But the decision has been made not to run the competition in 2025.

“Regrettably, we’ve made the difficult decision to end our running of our dressage fixture, but we would like to thank all our sponsors, especially ICE Horseboxes, as well as organiser David Crockford, and all the riders and owners who supported the fixture over the past four years,” said Hickstead director Lizzie Bunn.

“The timing of the event in May made things challenging due to the weather, but the main reason is that we cannot make it economically viable. The costs – particularly of judges and officials – at over £50,000 are exorbitant and, despite our best efforts, the event still ran at a loss.”

A spokesperson for the All England Jumping Course at Hickstead said the venue has recently invested in a new £1.5m stabling complex including hard standing for 40 horseboxes, allowing use of the showground all year round including for hires, clinics and camps.

“It is essential that any additional events are financially sound,” added Lizzie. “This year we added the British Young Horse Jumping Championships to our fixture list in August. This was a huge success, and we are looking forward to developing this event even further for next year.”

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Donald Whitaker headed a British one, two, three in the Agria King George V Gold Cup, triumphing in a thriller of a jump-off on a mare who “absolutely loves” her job.

In a fitting close to a fantastic week of sport at the Agria Royal International Horse Show, Donald and Millfield Colette took their first five-star win in the grand prix, from Ben Maher with Enjeu De Grisien in second and Tim Gredley and Medoc De Toxandria third. Less than a fifth of a second separated the top three combinations.

“I’ve been coming to this show since I was eight years old, to watch my uncles and cousins, and the likes of Ben,” said an emotional Donald. “Looking at this trophy you can see the names on it; Michael, John [Whitaker], everyone who’s won it before – this means absolutely the world to me. It’s my first five-star win, at my favourite show in the world. It means everything.”

Only 10 of the 50 starters in this prestigious class had conquered Kelvin Bywater’s tough first-round track, setting up what was always going to be a high-class jump-off.

One of those was John Whitaker and Equine America Unick Du Francport, who tipped the double, to a groan from the crowd, to finish in 50.82 seconds. It was the fourth combination in, Brazil’s Luciana Lossio and Lady Louise Jmen, who set the standard to beat, jumping clear in 46.76. This was a lead that held until Ben and Enjeu, third-last to go, came in.

Ben and Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright’s 10-year-old gelding set off at a cracking pace, almost taking the grass off the Irish bank as they turned past it, and coming round to the last on a beautiful smooth curve to finish in 46.22.

Next in, Donald and 11-year-old Colette seemed almost tighter past the bank, the strong, scopey mare full of gallop as her stride ate up the ground. Donald rode his heart out as he was roared over the last, crossing the line on 46.12.

Last to go, Tim and his ground-covering 12-year-old superstar were foot-perfect and for a fraction of a second the result hung in the balance, but with just a slight check before the last, they finished so close to, but a fraction behind Ben on 46.26.

Donald said the British-bred Cornet Obolensky mare’s natural speed – she looked as if she might be the one to beat even in the first round as she flew round on perfect form and with a smile on her face – is backed up by her heart.

“She’s such a trier,” he said. “More often than not, I make a mess of it, and she tries her heart out. I just thought ‘It’s the King George – I’ve got to go for it.”

Donald added that the mare is not only British-produced, she is “Yorkshire-produced, which is pretty cool”.

“Laura Robinson had produced her since she was three and I got her about three years ago,” he said. “She’s amazing; unbelievable, sharp and very special. All she wants to do is her best and she’s got the biggest heart.”

Ben, who had to ride this evening before his departure for the Paris Olympics tomorrow, joked that he had knocked the last fence down while leading his son in his last round of under-10s’ cross-pole jumping, and “I was probably thinking about that to the last jump, which is maybe why I was slower!”

“This was [Enjeu De Grisien’s] first grand prix this time last year but his inexperience showed a bit then,” he said. “I did everything I could today and beat the ones before me but it was always going to be down to these guys to take the risks; congratulations to them for doing an amazing job.”

Tim said that had he been offered third place in the King George this morning “I’d have taken that!”

“It was close,” he said. “I was thinking that instead of going straight at the jump, I should have come out a bit but the horse jumped amazing and hopefully we’ll have another chance next year.

“This whole week has been an amazing experience; winning the Nations Cup again, then being involved in these kind of classes is great. The footing was immaculate today, which is maybe why there were a few more clears than expected; these facilities are what make amazing sport.”

Donald did have one slightly unplanned moment after the finish; so overcome with the moment was he, as he hugged his star mare, and looked back again to check the scoreboard, he looked up too late to avoid jumping one of the first-round fences. This is a horse who loves her job.

“I couldn’t see where I was going!” he said. “I was a bit overwhelmed, and had a slight loss of direction. She absolutely loves it; she’s very special.”

Hickstead director Edward Bunn thanked all those who had made the week “probably the best Royal International Horse Show ever”.

“What an afternoon – what a week,” he said, thanking Agria and all the other sponsors who had supported the event.

And he added: “Congratulations, Donald, and if you don’t put your bank details on the entry system, we can’t pay you!”

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The British team goes to the Paris Olympics with “a real spring in our step”, having won a second home Nations Cup at the Agria Royal International Horse Show on the trot, with the Netherlands second and Ireland third.

Ben Maher (Exit Remo), Tim Gredley (Medoc De Toxandria), Robert Whitaker (Vermento) and John Whitaker (Equine America Unick Du Francport) retained the Edward Prince of Wales Cup in the Agria Nations Cup of Great Britain, John and Unick Du Francport sealing the deal as the last combination in the arena with a fabulous clear.

Asked if the pressure made it harder – one fence down would have meant a jump-off with the Dutch and two second place – John said: “It’s a bit weird; I think it actually makes me ride better. When the pressure is on, I think that brings out the best in me.

“You just go in and focus on doing the job but luckily my horse is on good form. The first round was a bit hairy towards the end but we managed to leave them up, and the second round felt really good.”

“I thought these guys would have made it a bit easier for me!” he added. “But we won and that’s all that counts.”

The British team had meant business from the off with a zero score in round one; Robert and Vermento were unlucky to clip just the Hickstead planks for four faults as the drop score but the other three combinations all jumped clear. No other team went to the second round with a clean sheet, but the Netherlands – Bas Moerings (Ipsthar), Mel Thijssen (Imodo), Tani Joosten (Galdal Me) and Lars Kersten (Funky Fred Marienshof Z) – were snapping at their heels on four faults.

The Irish team of Denis Lynch (Vistogrand), Max Wachman (Kilkenny), Tom Wachman (Berlux Z) and Cian O’Connor (Fermoy) were only a fence behind on eight so there was all to play for in round two.

Ben and Exit Remo jumped another foot-perfect clear, then Tim and Medoc tipped just the Liverpool at fence seven. Bas, the first Dutch rider, also finished four, then Tani on eight, and Denis and Vistogrand had added another four to Ireland’s tally. If Robert and Vermento could jump clear, the win would be ours.

Vermento came in on strong form but took the last two rails. And when the last Dutch rider, Lars, made up for his 16-fault first round with a beautiful clear, it was all in the hands of John, the veteran of more than 180 Nations Cups.

And it was better this way, certainly for the crowd, as John showed the world, again, what a legend he is, cool and calm as he gave a faultless display to secure the back-to-back home wins.

“It was great to win again,” he said. “We had something to live up to after last year, and we did it.”

John joked that even better than the second win was something he was asked in the warm-up: “Someone said could they have a picture of me and my brother,” he said, grinning at Robert. “That was even better than winning the Nations Cup!”

Robert said it was great to be on the team with his dad again.

“And to win is fantastic,” he said, adding when asked about his faults: “I was just testing how good he really is!”

Tim, who as well as Ben and Exit Remo and John and Unick was on the 2023 winning team at Hickstead, said the win “feels even better this year”.

“It’s surreal,” he said. “I keep banging on about the importance of Hickstead to our country. When I was doing working hunters here, I remember getting an autograph from John and thinking ‘That’s what I want to do’, so to be sitting here with him; without them, those dreams don’t happen.”

All the riders, and Hickstead director Edward Bunn, were united in their gratitude to Agria, which took over as sponsors of the class after it was not included in the revamped FEI Longines League of Nations.

“I’m very proud and happy to be on this team,” said Ben. “Thank you to Agria. I grew up here on ponies, as many of us did, and the history behind this competition means a lot to the sport. And without the sponsorship, it wouldn’t happen, so thank you very much.”

British chef d’equipe Di Lampard said the result was a “real feel-good” one for the whole sport.

“I think the British team has picked up momentum this year,” she said. “The goal has always been Paris but to pick up momentum like we have, in Rotterdam and Aachen – and the SMART goal of winning here again! – will really give us a spring in our step for Paris. We’re really looking forward to it.”

Di added that the Nations Cup series is invaluable in bringing forward the next generation of riders – something Ben had also been doing this morning when his young son was in action in the under-10s jumping.

“It’s been a long time since I rode here on ponies but it’s great you can start from the beginning here, and go all the way to sitting here,” he said. “And I’m sure many of them will be watching and hoping to be doing this job. But it was harder work running round the cross-poles this morning than riding this afternoon!”

Vicki Wentworth, chief executive of Agria UK, said she could not put into words how proud she was of the team.

“The Nations Cup of Great Britain, the first time we’ve sponsored it and I’m there giving the prize to the British team,” she said. “It’s an amazing, amazing achievement and I’m so proud. Well done.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout the Olympic Games, the Royal International Horse Show and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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“That was epic,” Alex Bragg said, after he and Quindiva took the Ashby Underwriting Eventers’ Challenge at the Agria Royal International Horse Show.

The combination, who came third at Badminton this year, gave a masterclass on how this track should be ridden to win six seconds ahead of 2023 champions Fred Scala and Corriebeg Supernova.

“The mare was just phenomenal,” Alex said. “I love this kind of thing; they’re as much exhibition as competition; a good way to showcase our sport in such a wonderful showjumping venue and maybe reach out to different people.

“The atmosphere rises and everyone has a good time – and winning is amazing.”

Heidi Coy and Fourfields Wonder Woman had put in a super round with just one rail down to take the lead on 132.02, then Alex and the Roe family’s 14-year-old star mare came in and flew round for a final time of 122.70; their perfect rhythm, forwardness and speed making almost an exhibition round.

Last in were last year’s champions, who were galloping from the off, and whose speed was such that they finished on 128.18, even with 12 seconds to add for three rails down.

Alex said he was confident he had done enough – until Fred was halfway through his round.

“Then I thought ‘woah, this guy’s travelling’!” he said. “But I put the pressure on so he had to go fast and those rails are costly; I’ve been on the receiving end of that before when I had the last one down.

“But Quindiva is an exceptional jumper; it’s a real privilege to be on her to do something like that.”

Fred said it was a shock to have the black gate at fence two down, from the lightest touch, but then knew he had to gallop.

“I had two more down but didn’t have the best of the ground and we were in a hurry!” he said.

“She was very quick; I’m so proud of that little mare, she’s amazing and I’m so grateful to be here again, and to the sponsors.”

Fred added that this is a class for having fun.

“The horses are incredible; they have as much fun in there as the riders,” he said. “It’s a wonderful spectacle, and I’m so pleased to be second.”

Alex and Quindiva do a lot of showjumping as well as eventing; they qualified for the Foxhunter final at Horse of the Year Show last year, and the mare is being aimed for Burghley in September.

“Badminton and Burghley; they’re our job, with lots of expectations,” he said. “We do it because we love it, but you want to be at the top of your game. This is less pressure, but I think I’m more out of breath after those two minutes than 12 round Badminton! But this is a real buzz and we’re all in it together, bantering, helping one another.

“It’s a real privilege to come to venues like this, and horses in general. Our sport is phenomenal and I’m really grateful to be part of it.”

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Nurse Gillian Anderson made her week off work –and her 10-hour drive from Scotland – worth every minute as she took the Hickstead RIHS amateur championship at the Agria Royal International Horse Show.

Gillian and Linda Anderson’s JJ’s Prince Chaccomo triumphed by half a second over Arysha Kanda and Creeveroe Cody in the two-phase competition, for Gillian’s first win in the International Arena.

Gillian said the 14-year-old Scottish-bred gelding, whom she has had since he was four, had jumped at 1.30m but had lost some confidence so she dropped him down.

“I gave him some time off, did some working hunters, and this is him having a good life and enjoying himself,” she said. “Nothing happened, I think he just didn’t want to do it as much for a bit but he’s feeling good now.”

“He’s the character at the stables,” she added. “He’s been there since he was four so he knows he’s the boss; he runs the place!”

The pair jumped a beautiful smooth round for the win.

“He lit up a bit with the atmosphere,” Gillian said. “I didn’t expect him to come back so confident but he’s obviously feeling great.”

Gillian added that she had taken a week’s annual leave from her nursing job to make the 10-hour drive to West Sussex.

“This will make the journey back much better!” she said.

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Defending champion Fred Scala will take on former winner Gemma Stevens as top names prepare to go head to head in today’s Ashby Underwriting Eventers’ Challenge at the Agria Royal International Horse Show (24-28 July).

Irishman Fred returns to Hickstead with 12-year-old mare Corriebeg Supernova, with whom he won the class last year when the pair finished less than a second faster than Gemma and Flash Cooley.

Corriebeg Supernova has “had a brilliant year”, with wins at Foxhunter level in showjumping.

“I was quick last year, but I know I lost time in some places, and certainly when I come back for another crack at it I reckon I could be another three to four seconds quicker,” said Fred.

“She’s just naturally incredibly fast, and you have to ride her forwards because she’s so little – to make the distances, you’ve got to be going quick anyway. Couple that with the fact she’s a real gutsy, hardy little mare, and as much as she’s fast, she’s equally careful.”

Fred added that his 2023 victory was “an absolute highlight of my year”.

“Even just getting to ride in such a prestigious and famous arena was amazing,” he said.

Gemma, who won the class in 2022 with Flash Cooley, brings forward two rides; 10-year-old gelding Johansome and eight-year-old gelding Cooley Park Muze. Alex Bragg will ride Quindiva, the mare who helped him take a podium spot at Badminton in May.

Other entries include Simon Grieve, who was eighth in the British Speed Derby last month at the Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby meeting, and will ride his former five-star ride Drumbilla Metro, and Frenchman Gaspard Maksud with Zaragoza VI and Spirit’s Gemini. Supermodel Edie Campbell is entered with her four-star horse Fireball F, five-star rider Felicity Collins is on the list with Shadow Minnie Moon, and former eventer turned showjumper Jay Halim will take on the challenge with Caroline Harris’ four-star horse Falko TN.

The class gets under way at 4pm today. Tickets are available online or at the gate.

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One might not expect to come across budgie-smuggling at Hickstead – but there was a similar case at the Agria Royal International Horse Show yesterday (23 July).

Three people who were bathing a pony were surprised to see a different type of feather, when the tiny green interloper landed on someone’s head.

“Is anyone missing a budgie? It’s very friendly!” Emma Richards said, in the Hickstead competitors’ Facebook group.

It turned out the small intruder was Chip, who had gone missing in the area a day ot two earlier, and whose small owner was very distressed as a result.

“On hearing their missing bird had in fact flown the nest to visit the showground, the owners flocked straight to Hickstead to collect him,” a spokesperson for the All England Jumping Course said.

“Chip was reunited with a delighted Sienna, and Emma received a reward for finding him.”

The spokesperson added that the team hoped Chip enjoyed his bird’s-eye view of the showing and showjumping action.

Emma added: “Three of us were bathing a pony when he just landed on my friend Gemma Scott’s shoulder and then jumped on to my head. Gemma’s mum managed to wrap him in a horse hood and had a box in her horsebox that she put him in.

“He seemed really friendly and I just thought we would have a bigger audience placing it on the Facebook page.”

Emma is at Hickstead as her daughter is riding 128cm show pony Broadgrove Dimension and first-ridden M&M contender Thistledown Snow White.

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Nine-year-old Anya Dewey Clarke and the “absolutely awesome” flying grey Jim have taken the Pro Ponies UK winter 128cm championship at the Agria Royal International Horse Show.

The tiny pair made a killer inside turn to push last year’s champions Annabel Widdowson and Bunbury Conquest into second place, taking almost a second off their time.

Anya, who was making her debut in the International Arena, said she thought it was that turn that had won her the title.

“I absolutely love Jim, he’s awesome!” she said. “Jim actually prefers an arena surface to grass so I wasn’t quite sure what he’d think, but I’m so pleased with him.

“I love him. As soon as he comes out of the ring he’s ‘Can I have some Polos?’ He loves Polos.”

Anya has been riding her mother Anna’s 16-year-old for about 18 months.

“He’s quite easy to turn and has a big stride so he’s good at going fast!” she said. “That felt amazing.”

Anna added that watching was a nerve-racking experience.

“When she went in, I said ‘Take a look to see if you can do that turn and then decide, which is a crazy thing for a nine-year-old! But she made the right decision. I was so nervous but I’m absolutely delighted; unbelievably proud.

“She works so hard with the ponies and does it all herself. I’m over the moon for her.”

138cm champions

Making history as one of the most successful RIHS ponies of all time was 13-year-old gelding Playboy Van De Zoetewei, superbly piloted by 12-year-old Amy Capper to win the Coldstream Equestrian BS winter 138cm championship by nearly 3sec.

This is the fifth time in six years that the prolific pony has lifted this title – just missing out as runner-up in 2021 – having won previously with Amy’s older sister Lucy Capper, Tilly Bamford and twice with Tabitha Kyle.

“My sister told me just to let him go, because he knows what he’s doing,” said 12-year-old Amy, who lives just outside Glasgow.

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Model and TV presenter Jodie Kidd has become a director of the All England Jumping Course at Hickstead.

Jodie said she was proud to take on the role, as the third generation of her family to hold it, after her grandmother Janet, the first patron of Hickstead, and her father Johnny. Jodie’s godfather was Douglas Bunn, who founded the showground 64 years ago; her mother Wendy is godmother to Douglas’s daughter Chloe Breen and Johnny is godfather to Douglas’s son John.

“I have so many great memories of Hickstead when growing up, such as watching Buddy Bunn win the Hickstead Derby in 2004, which was one of my godfather Douglas’s proudest moments – there wasn’t a dry eye in the house that day,” said Jodie, who competed in pony showjumping classes at Hickstead and recently filmed interviews with top Hickstead regulars including John and Robert Whitaker and Peter and Harry Charles.

“I also remember this one day when John Whitaker and Milton rode over to one of the back rings to watch us jump our 13.2hh ponies – none of us could concentrate! Other teenagers had posters of Brad Pitt on the wall, but I had pictures of John and Milton.”

Jodie Kidd to attend Agria Royal International

Jodie will be at the Agria Royal International Horse Show (23-28 July) and helping promote Hickstead events to a wider audience.

“There is so much on offer at Hickstead, and it doesn’t matter whether you’re horsey or not,” she added. “The shopping is fantastic, and children always love all the family entertainment during the shows – especially the funfair. If you just want to enjoy some excellent sport in the Sussex countryside, perhaps with a glass of Pimm’s or champagne, then I’d definitely encourage everyone to head down to the showground for a brilliant day out.”

Tickets for the Agria Royal International Horse Show (23-28 July) are available now, starting from £20. Advance discounts and concessions are available.

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With the 2024 Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) just around the corner, H&H catches up with riding horse ride judge Melissa Richardson, who will officiate on Friday alongside conformation judge Greer Taverner.

Who is Melissa Richardson?

Melissa Richardson is a judge, showing competitor and dressage rider. She sits on British Show Horse Association and Arab Horse Society panels. She began her career on the British Show Pony Association panel 20 years ago.

She has judged at all major shows, including Royal Windsor, The Hickstead Derby, Royal Cornwall and at the RIHS in previous years. She has also judged at the Horse of the Year Show, officiating the hacks in 2017.

The prolific show hunter pony Chiddock Superman is the pony Melissa credits for putting her on the map, though she has also enjoyed success in the show ring on stars such as Alesi and Courtland Country Ways. The latter horse gave Melissa the leg up in dressage and she has since achieved a grand CV in the discipline.

Her current ride Gravgaards Sir Dundee was advanced medium and PSG champion at the summer regionals in 2023, and he was Hickstead masters champion as a young horse. He has also been placed in the top three at the national championships since he was at novice level.

What the judge will be looking for when horses enter the ring

“That first impression is so important in the show ring. Firstly, I’ll be looking for something with a good walk. I prefer a riding horse that is stronger in type, but that is still elegant and athletic, as I like to think horses could go on to have other careers and do other things. I don’t like horses that have too much body and middle; if a horse is too fat you’ve impacted that initial impression straight away.

“I will then be looking for horses that carry the quality of the walk through to the other paces. I love a horse to be sitting up and looking through its bridle, clearly enjoying its job.”

Things the judge will consider during the ride

“Again, I want a horse that is sitting up and looking through its bridle while in self-carriage. For me, everything has to connect. They have to be straight, with a connection between the hand and the leg. If the horse is too behind the bridle you lose the connection and straightness, and consequently the freedom of movement.

“I also like a fit horse that is going to carry me around; I don’t want to be persuading him to go for a jog!”

How will the judge look at the championship?

“A championship should be judged as a separate class, but in theory your two winners should be fighting it out with each other, as they should be good examples of the small and large types. Ideally, we’ll have a consistent pattern, but sometimes that doesn’t always follow through as horses can surprise you. Perhaps a horse has gone so beautifully that it should be rewarded. Ultimately, it will be the way of going and type that will win the show, but I do hope the riders will really showcase their horses; go bold or go home!”

Does Melissa have any show ring pet hates?

“Too much body and too much middle as the overall picture becomes unbalanced and the horses can shuffle, affecting the paces.

“I hope competitors are prepared and have done their homework, too. For example, by presenting with correctly fitted tack – you want to give your horse the best chance of giving the judge its best ride.

“Ride wise, my biggest pet hate is that lack of connection and horses not being fit. I don’t like horses that work on two tracks, which tends to happen when they get too much middle body and the engine isn’t working properly.”

Any sign-off advice for RIHS first-timers?

“Create yourself a timetable so you can allow yourself plenty of time to get organised. A checklist is also a good idea so you don’t forget anything. As judges, we want competitors to enjoy it. It’s a huge privilege that people trust me to ride their horses. Let’s hope for some sunshine so we see the horses bloom.”

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Olympic champion Ben Maher will be among the riders making their last competitive appearance before the Games at the Agria Royal International Horse Show (RIHS, 23-28 July).

Ben has been named with Exit Remo for the British team that will be trying to retain the Edward, Prince of Wales Cup in the Agria Nations Cup of Great Britain.

The home side took a thrilling victory in the competition last year, and British showjumping performance manager Di Lampard told H&H they want to retain it.

Ben is joined by two of his victorious teammates from 2023; John Whitaker with Unick Du Francport and Tim Gredley with Medoc De Toxandria. The other two combinations selected for the team are Robert Whitaker with Vermento, who won the King George V Gold Cup at last year’s RIHS, and Jodie Hall McAteer with Hardessa.

“A number of riders, including our own Ben Maher, will be making their final competitive appearance at Hickstead before the Games,” said Hickstead director Lizzie Bunn. “A win here would be a real confidence boost ahead of Paris.

“I would love to see the British team retain their title, as the Brits haven’t had back-to-back Nations Cup wins here at Hickstead for 20 years.”

Di will name the final team of four the day before the competition. The Brits will be facing top competition from other nations who will be aiming to lift the trophy, including Ireland, Germany, France, Sweden, Italy, Brazil and the Netherlands.

Tickets for the Agria Royal International Horse Show are on sale now, from £20. Advance discounts and concessions are available, including free admission to all under-15s when booked in advance. Visit the Hickstead website to book.

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A horsebox fire at Hickstead that could have had grave consequences was put out in minutes thanks to the on-site specialist team.

The fire broke out on Friday, 21 June, during the Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby Meeting. It is thought the cause was sunlight refracting through the lorry window on to a rug hanging inside.

Hickstead director Edward Bunn told H&H the fire engine belonging to WH Management Group, which also provides security services, was on the scene two minutes after the fire was reported. The horse area was burnt out but no horses or people were hurt.

“The fire was as good as out before the local fire service arrived,” he said.

Mr Bunn, who was in the fire service for 21 years, said the fire engine is at the All England Jumping Course at all events.

“Especially at the Royal International, we have probably 800-900 horseboxes overnight, it makes sense,” he said. “It’s good to have WH Management on site; money very well spent.”

WH Management director Doug Hinckley told H&H the incident highlights the need for riders to ensure their lorries are as safe as possible.

“Make sure you have annual electrical and gas safety checks, and have working smoke alarms fitted,” he said, adding that although this fire was thought to have been caused by sunlight, such checks could prevent other blazes, and smoke alarms could save lives of anyone sleeping in a box.

The team is also prepared for other incidents.

“We cut a horse out of a lorry this morning,” he said on Saturday (22 June). “It was stuck over the bar; all our clients are responsible, and have us here for large-animal rescue, firefighting and help with flooding.

“I’m delighted Hickstead has responsible event organisers who spend time and money not just on us but other contracts; medics and the vet team; you’re in good hands.”

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

“This is why I ride horses – for days like these,” said William Funnell, after he won a dream, record-breaking, fifth Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby title.

William and Dublon triumphed in a jump-off of first-round four-faulters, against Carlos Eduardo Mota Ribas with Juan Van’t Arkelhof and William Whitaker and Flamboyant III, jumping the only second-round clear to put William’s name firmly in the history books. He had previously won a hat-trick with the great Mondriaan in 2006, 2008 and 2009, then a fourth title in 2018 with Billy Buckingham.

He had been part of a select group – the others Eddie Macken, John and Michael Whitaker and Harvey Smith – who had lifted the Boomerang Trophy four times, and came so close to surpassing them last year when he finished second on Dublon and third on Equine America Billy Diamo. He set a record then, as the first rider to jump the Derby clear on two horses, but it was the fifth title that had remained tantalisingly out of reach – until now.

“It’s a great feeling to be here again, and winning it,” William said. “Last year, I thought if I can’t jump two clears and win it, I would have retired. But just the enormity of this class; cantering into the ring, the challenge of the course, it’s so special. It’s why I do it.”

It had been a class full of faults, as is the Derby’s wont, and until Carlos and his own and K&R Horses’ 15-year-old came in as 18th of 22 starters, Shane Breen (Fanfan De Beaufour) and Emeric George (Dune Du Ru) were sharing the lead on eight apiece.

But, as the riders agreed, each of the three four-faulters fell foul of a “silly fence”, and Carlos’s was the privet hedge at six. It must have felt like a long way home but the pair put in a polished performance, a copybook descent of the bank and faultless through all the hardest challenges of the course to get their noses in front.

But not for long. William and Dublon came in 20th, to silence from the crowd who had been reminded of a record that could be broken. The pair were clear until the bank; William’s “silly fence” to knock was the rail on top, at 1m, 60cm smaller than most of the others.

Hopes flickered briefly but William’s superb horsemanship came to the fore as he rode home like the Derby expert he is, setting up a jump-off – as long as no one else went clear. It was not the day of next in Guy Williams and Mr Blue Sky UK, but then came William and Victoria Smith’s 14-year-old, who William rode in the Derby two years ago as a catch ride after Victoria’s son Elliott broke a leg in the Derby qualifier.

Their bad luck came at the middle element of the Devil’s Dyke but again, William rode beautifully to come home clear after that. And when last in Shane Breen, on Nows The Time, was eliminated at the dyke, the jump-off was on.

Strong and confident

First in Carlos and Juan were strong and confident, putting in a mighty leap over the white oxer at fence two, and taking the black gate on an angle. Carlos rode strongly to the privet hedge – that wasn’t getting the better of him again – and Juan was eating up the ground. But then the second and third elements of the dyke went down, and the second of the double of white gates.

In came William and Dublon, to almost total silence; William cantering his turn to the dyke in practice, then straight to the Cornishman. He took the oxer at two on a beautiful curve, Dublon even and balanced and full of jumping, over the privet hedge and then clear through the dyke, the crowd willing him through. Could he dare to dream? The water, the rails, round to the last line, and a cheer, quickly hushed, as he cleared the double of gates, and took a final flyer over the last. The crowd cheered and cheered, and William grinned as he put a finger to his lips. He wasn’t there yet.

William Whitaker started full of purpose, the huge bay fast and forward, and balanced in his turns. He was tight to the dyke – but possibly slightly too much so as the first part fell to seal the result. There was a shout from somewhere as William, ever the professional, finished a super round with just the second of the two white gates falling.

“All credit to Elliott,” William said afterwards. “And his family, for preparing the horse as they did; we only decided I’d be riding him on Friday, so it was a bit of a catch ride again, if you like. The horse jumped fantastic today; I had that silly fence in the first round, but that’s what the Derby is all about. I didn’t expect this result, this morning, so I’m very pleased.”

For the prizegiving, the crowd got to its feet for God Save the King and didn’t sit down again as William was bellowed round two laps of honour; hat in hand and grin from ear to ear.

“The crowd was fantastic today,” William said afterwards. “It helps when you’ve won it five times – “How many?” asked William Whitaker, straight-faced. “Five,” William Funnell replied, equally deadpan – “But it’s a fantastic class, a spectacle.

“It’s something that probably as a kid I’d have dreamed of, and now I’ve won it more than Eddie Macken and the great Boomerang. But that’s why I ride horses, for days like these.”

William said that after some good luck in jump-offs, he had “had a couple of dodgy ones”, so his plan once Carlos had faulted was to try to jump clear and push William Whitaker into faulting as well.

“I knew he’d only sat on the horse on Friday, and wasn’t sure how fit he would be,” he said. “I was a bit ugly into the dyke last year so I wanted to do that better, and then I just let him run.”

Derby trial

William shared the win in Friday’s Derby trial with Carlos, and Robert Whitaker and Evert who finished joint seventh on Sunday on 12 faults.

“On Friday, people say ‘Your horse jumped great‘ – and my dad backed me to win at four to one! – but when you walk the course on Sunday, it’s still very tough,” he said. “There’s a lot of work to do before you’re sitting here.

“We all had silly fences and all could have jumped clear but we made it a good Derby. It’s so special; so many people who wouldn’t go to the Global Champions Tour come here and watch this and we need to make sure we keep it in our sport.”

Carlos, who also shared the Derby trial win last year on Trix, finishing 12th in the showpiece, and came second in 2022 with Jella Van’t Kathof, said he will keep aiming for the win.

“I don’t give up; I keep on coming,” he said. “I had a silly fault at the bush; in the Hamburg Derby, I nearly fell off at that fence so I think I pushed him a bit much, to have a silly fault before the most difficult fences. But it is what it is, and I’m really happy.

“You learn something new every time you ride this course; you jump the trial then walk the course on Sunday, see these massive jumps and think ‘What am I doing here?’

“But this is my passion and as long as I’m healthy and can ride, I’ll come back, and one day I’ll be sitting [in Will Funnell’s seat]. I might not do it five times! But that I promise you.”

Shane and Emeric were joint fourth, and in sixth was Joseph Clayton and Gentlemen VH Veldhof, who had only hit the cream oxer in an otherwise textbook round, but who must have been slower than they appeared, as they notched up seven time-faults.

Hickstead director Edward Bunn explained that half the bank was hedged off for the class, for safety reasons owing to the wet spring compounded by a recent downpour, then thanked the riders for another great sporting spectacle.

“And now we have a GOAT [greatest of all time],” he said. “It’s official, William Funnell is the GOAT of the Derby.

And so he is.

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A Touch Imperious has been retired aged 20 with fitting ceremony, cheered round one last lap of the Hickstead International Arena in which he had shone so many times.

Harriet Biddick took the saddle off “Henry” in an emotional moment before this year’s Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby, the class he is most famous for.

He and Harriet finished second in the Derby five times, and came third twice, winning nearly £117,000 just in this class.

“He may not have won but he’s a Derby champion in our hearts,” said commentator John Stokes. “We wish him a long and happy retirement, and thank him and Harriet for the joy and excitement they’ve brought us in this most iconic competition.”

Harriet trotted Henry twice round the ring, to thunderous applause from every stand. Shining and plaited, ears pricked, the big chestnut was then taken to the winner’s enclosure, where his saddle was replaced with a wreath hanging with apples and carrots. Harriet led him out of the ring as her fellow riders formed a guard of honour by the chute, and (I’ve Had) The Time of My Life was played.

Harriet said emotional though the decision was, it was the right one for Henry, whom she felt was not quite fit enough for one last try at the title.

“He is 20 now, and he owes us nothing,” she said last week. “He’s got a fantastic record in the class, and I want to keep it that way.”

A Touch Imperious was bred by Dominic and Leo Rice, of Premier Sports Horses, and Harriet’s father Rupert Nuttall bought him as a youngster. Harriet produced him all the way up, to success also including joint-winning the Hickstead Derby trial two years ago, and representing Britain on Nations Cup teams, and at the 2018 final.

“It will be the end of an era for me,” Harriet said. “A really emotional day but he’s amazing. We’ve had a 15-year career and that’s a partnership to dream of. To [do what he’s done] and so consistently and well shows how talented and brave he is and I’m just lucky to be his rider.”

The combination were eliminated at the bank on their first Derby attempt, 11 years ago, but Harriet put in some practice and “he never looked back”, she said. “He’s basically done all that on his own. He’s amazing.”

Harriet said Henry would step back from the big shows and have a good holiday, then probably just do some hacking, and “enjoy life”.

“He’s been my whole career,” she said. “It’s hard to not get emotional but I just don’t think I’ll get a horse like that in my future. I know he is my horse of a lifetime.”

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Subscribe today and enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus unlimited website access and digital versions of the magazine dating back to September 2012.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now