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‘The brightest spark I’ve ever trained’: Hickstead championship for horse bred by The late Queen, owned by The King

Bethan Simons Bethan Simons

    • 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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    Bethan Simons
    Bethan Simons

    H&H showing editor
    Bethan joined Horse & Hound as showing editor in January 2025, after spending two years as Editor for Showing World. Having adored ponies since childhood, she started showing as a teenager and has enjoyed wins at major shows up and down the country, including Royal Highland, New Forest, and the Royal Welsh, as well as HOYS, RIHS and London. She is particularly passionate about Welsh breeds and is also a Welsh language commentator.
    Bethan Simons

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