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

A former Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby champion heads those vying for the Boomerang trophy this year – and another may be joining him.

David Simpson and Pjotr Van De Kruishoeve, who triumphed in a three-way jump-off in 2023 when the stallion was eight, are lining up on excellent form, having won and come second in Hamburg Derby qualifiers last month.

David and Pjotr beat William Funnell in that jump-off, riding Equine America Billy Diamo and Dublon, with whom William came back to win a record fifth title in 2024. It is not certain whether William and Dublon will start next Sunday (21 June) but they are on the entries list.

“While those are the only winning partnerships due to return in this year’s class, there are a number of other former winning riders among the entries for the 65th Al Shira’aa Derby,” a Hickstead spokesperson said. “One of the strongest contenders for this year is the 2010 Hickstead champion Guy Williams, who has two potential Derby rides – Crumbgraft, who won last year’s Agria Derby trial, and BH Gringos Legacy, who was fifth in both the recent Al Shira’aa Hamburg Derby in Germany as well as last year’s Hickstead Derby.”

2026 Hickstead Derby entries

Shane Breen, who is based at Hickstead and won the 60th Derby with Can Ya Makan, will no doubt have his foot down this year; he jumped clear in 2025 with Fanfan De Beaufour but time-faults kept them out of the jump-off.

The 2026 Hickstead Derby entries do not include last year’s winners Robert Whitaker and Gentlemen VH Veldhof but the two combinations they beat in the jump-off, 2016 winner William Whitaker and Flamboyant III and Sammie-Jo Coffin with Chaccomo Blue, are among the favourites for 2026. Sammie-Jo would be the first lady winner since 2011, when Tina Fletcher lifted the trophy with Promised Land.

Five-star eventers Gemma Stevens and Alex Bragg, who have both been placed in the Al Shira’aa Derby are also on the list, as is Stephan Dubsky and Derby specialist C The Stars; and Commandant Geoff Curran, who was seventh in Hamburg with Hawthornhill.

“What a great line-up of horses and riders we have for this year’s Al Shira’aa Derby, with a number of former winners coming up against some other leading horses and riders with impressive Derby form,” said Hickstead director Lizzie Bunn.

“Former winners often have a good record in this class, but there have been plenty of surprise results too over the years, and that’s the best thing about the Derby. We’re looking forward to seeing who’ll lift the Boomerang trophy in this year’s class.”

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