Hickstead Derby: All you need to know
This week’s Hickstead Derby meeting (27 June-1 July) offers four days of top-class entertainment. As well as Sunday’s flagship DFS Derby — this year carrying £40,000 to the winner — spectators have everything from Horse of the Year Show showing qualifiers to private driving and Europe’s richest outdoor pony jumping class to entertain them.
Although the national jumping classes begin on 27 June, the international sport starts in the Horseware Ireland ring two at 8am the following day. The Derby Trial is on Friday, with Saturday afternoon’s highlight Ben Maher’s attempt to win the speed Derby for the third consecutive year.
On Saturday morning, amateur show jumpers have a rare chance to compete a championship in the International Arena. And, due to the generosity of sponsor Julia Lee, they have a £1,500 prize-fund to chase.
At lunchtime on Sunday, Britain’s stars of the future are showcased in the final of the £2,000-to-the-winner Hickstead Pony Masters. Last year’s victors were Daniel Neilson and Micklow Madness, beginning a run that ended with individual and team gold at the European Championships.
At 2.30pm on Sunday, the “big one” begins. This is the 47th running of the classic Derby, which always throws up a worthwhile winner and a great story.
The atmosphere during the class is unique and something every show jumping fan should sample at least once. But if you really cannot make it to the venue this year, it will be shown on BBC TV.
Show jumping enthusiasts can keep up to date with the latest news and reports from Hickstead on www.horseandhound.co.uk throughout the show.
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Getting to Hickstead
The all England Jumping Course is situated alongside the main A23 road, 15 miles south of Gatwick Airport and eight miles north of Brighton. The nearest mainline railway stations are Burgess Hill or Haywards Heath, from which visitors can get taxis to the course. There is ample car parking space available when you get to the course.
How much will it cost?
Tickets are available online on www.hickstead.co.uk or you can pay on arrival. Adults pay between £11-£21 (Derby day) for general admission, with reductions for children and OAPs. There are also family and four-day tickets available, plus daily upgrades giving access to the main members’ stand. Cars cost £6 per day.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are welcome at Hickstead, but must stay on leads.
More information
For more information visit the Hickstead Derby website.
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