Hickstead Derby: John Whitaker wins Derby Trophy class

John Whitaker (pictured right) scored his second victory of the 2007 Hickstead Derby meeting when he and Mandy Hall’s Casino headed a three-horse jump-off for Saturday’s Falcon Equine Feeds Derby Trophy.

In a reverse of the previous day’s positions, John and the big Irish-bred bay beat his niece Ellen on Cortaflex Kanselier, with Peter Charles third on Murka’s Johnny Jumper.

John was pleased with Casino, but feels it is a year early to try him in the Derby.

“He didn’t seem to worry about the going,” he said, referring to the rain-softened ground, “but I think he’d be better to try the Derby next year, when he has a year’s more experience under his girth.”

Earlier in the day, Tina Fletcher again proved husband Graham’s wisdom in buying back Laura’s Choice by adding a win in the two-phase challenge to her area 38 grand prix victory the previous weekend.

“He jumped well in the heavy conditions,” said Graham.

The £500 first prize in the Julia Lee Amateur Championship went to the sole first-round clear by local rider Amelia Geer on Lukas, but there was an entertaining six-pony jump-off for the 148cm title. This again stayed in Sussex, courtesy of Jessie Drea, whose fabulous double clear on Quantum Light held off Rebecca Roe and Aroldo by almost 2sec.

www.hickstead.co.uk

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