Hickstead Derby winner proves he isn’t a ‘one-trick pony’

Hickstead hero Adventure De Kannan showed he is a multi-disciplined talent last week when he took part in a combined training competition — and won his class.

The one-eyed wonder reached worldwide fame when winning the Hickstead Derby in the summer.

He might be more used to tackling fearsome obstacles such as the Devil’s Dyke and the Derby Bank than putting in some fancy footwork but he excelled with owner Karen Swann in Ireland.

“Addy” took part in a combined training class on Sunday 2 November at Raheen-na-gun Stud, Co Kilkenny.

Karen told H&H it was her first dressage test in three years and her first jumping track in seven.

And the pair didn’t disappoint — they achieved the best dressage score in their class.

They finished on their dressage mark of 28.5, ahead of Naomi Sharpe and Jazz on 30.

Addy will be spending the winter with Karen in Ireland, the rest of the year he lives with regular rider, and Hickstead Derby-winning partner, Trevor Breen in Buckinghamshire.

The popular 14-year-old gelding had his eye removed in 2013 due to an ongoing issue. Since then his profile has rocketed.

He was propelled into the spotlight when he triumphed in the Derby — after finishing in the runner up spot in 2013.

Addy graced the cover of H&H (3 July issue) as well as being featured in mainstream media after winning by just 0.02s in the jump off — ahead of 2013 winners Phillip Miller and Caritiar Z.

However, he was already an expert at the West Sussex venue. He took the speed derby in 2009 and the eventing grand prix in 2012. In August he won the prestigious Queen’s Cup.

“The King George is all he has left to win at Hickstead but that’s as big a task as any,” said Irish showjumper Trevor.

“He’s just a phenomenal horse who loves that arena.

“He’s a Trojan of a horse. His heart makes him special. He does everything I ask him to whether he can or not, and if he can’t he’ll try anyway.”

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