We take a look back over some of the standout showing moments from the 2017 season
There’s just something about a win at the Longines Royal International Horse Show. As a championship show, everyone knows how hard it is to even qualify to compete here. Once a horse or pony has picked up their qualifying ticket, they have to make it to Hickstead at their peak, then put in a foot-perfect performance and dazzle the judges on the day. Then the very best of these equines go through to their division championship, and the crème de la crème will line up in Sunday’s British Horse Society Supreme Horse and the De La Hey Family Supreme Pony Championships.
We take a look back at 2017 and some of the special wins that took place here at Hickstead during last year’s show.
1 All hail the Hoods
The Hood team had an astounding show last summer, qualifying an impressive total of three horses for the BHS Supreme Horse Final. Norfolk-based producer Allister brought forward his Saracen Horse Feeds Supreme Riding Horse Champion, Diamonds Are Forever, and his Surrey Envelopes Supreme Cob victor, Our Cashel Blue; while his son Oliver also rode in the Championship with the Ridden Skewbald & Piebald champion Kellythorpes Master Key.
Qualifying three for the supreme championship is an achievement in itself, but Allister went on to win the title on Diamonds Are Forever with an impressive 28 marks out of 30, and finish reserve supreme with Our Cashel Blue on a score of 26. Meanwhile, Oliver was one of three riders in the Supreme to tie in third place with 22.
Allister has won the Winston Churchill Cup (the trophy given to the Supreme Horse victor) more than anyone else, with a total of seven championships to his name. We dare say he isn’t done yet, and with Oliver showing similar panache in the show ring, the Hood team looks set to shine at Hickstead for many years to come.
2 Leading the way
It’s harder to make an impact in a Supreme when you’re showing a pony on the lead rein and restricted to walk and trot, but that didn’t stop last year’s winners in the De La Hey Family Supreme Pony Championship. BSPS Supreme Mini Champion Seamoor Lady Derby earned a score of 27 in Sundays final to take the title, having been beautifully shown by producer Oliver Burchell and his five-year-old son James, who was making his Hickstead debut.
Not only did James impress the judges, he also entranced the crowd when he waved at the spectators during his individual show. It was the second time in a row the pony had won the Mini Championship, having won 12 months earlier with Poppy Steadman in the plate. Going on to take the Supreme Pony title, this time with young James riding, was more than proud father Oliver had ever dreamed of.
3 It’s Jayne again
Jayne Ross was aiming to win her third consecutive Supreme Horse title with the stunning hunter Time 2 Reflect, something that has never been achieved in the history of the Winston Churchill Cup at Hickstead. Sadly they didn’t quite manage a historic third win on the trot, but Jayne did set a new record at Hickstead by winning all three Hunter weight divisions in the same year. As well as her Lightweight Champion Time 2 Reflect, she won the Middleweights with Bloomfield Valhalla and the Heavyweights with Bloomfield Excelsior. An impressive feat, and something she has achieved twice at major shows in two seasons, having done the same thing back at Royal Windsor in 2016.
Jayne also came very close to adding both Saracen Horse Feeds Riding Horse sections too, winning the Small division with Casino and finishing second in the Large class with CSF Cummer Paradise, who was runner-up to the eventual Supreme Horse Champion Diamonds Are Forever.
4 A first championship
Jo Bates is one of the country’s leading show producers, so it’s a little surprising to discover that her win on board the Brereton Supreme Hack winner, Elusive, was her first tricolour here at the BHS Royal International Horse Show. Elusive’s owner, Suzanna Welby, describes him as the ‘most fabulous horse to ever walk the earth’. Certainly the seven-year-old is making an impression on the show circuit, having added the Hickstead hack title to wins at HOYS and Royal Windsor.
5 Bouncing back
Tuesday of the BHS Royal International Horse Show is all about the skewbalds and piebalds, with hundreds of coloured horses and ponies contesting the various classes. The Team Colosso Supreme Skewbald and Piebald title went to Oliver Hood and Kellythorpes Master Key, but in the Amateur Championship a cob overcame adversity to take the honours.
William Pittendrigh has produced Constellation (known in the stable as Alf) since he was a four-year-old, having originally bought him from Ireland. In 2015, the pair qualified for the lightweight Working Hunter at the Royal International, when William was just 15 and Alf was seven. The following year, they qualified for Hickstead once again, but a week before the show disaster struck when Alf tore his collateral ligament over the last fence in a HOYS Intermediate WHP qualifier.
The prognosis wasn’t good and William was told it was unlikely the horse would ever be ridden again. But after six months of box rest he came sound, and a painstakingly-slow rehabilitation saw him return to work. Having been advised by showing producer Wayne Thorneycroft that Alf could do well as a cob, he was hogged – and he duly won the first coloured native/traditional/cob Royal International qualifier they contested. From there, the horse who’d been completely written off 12 months earlier went champion amateur at Hickstead.
6 Two in a row
In another of the hotly-contested Amateur classes, Samantha Coates and the lovely Riding Horse Bronte stood champion for the second year in a row. In reserve to them was Beware Chalk Pit, a former National Hunt racehorse who was no stranger to Hickstead success, having won the RoR Tattersalls Thoroughbred Show Horse Championship at the 2016 Hickstead Derby Meeting.
7 Another double
Another combination to win the same championship two years running were BSPS Supreme Show Pony victors Litton Enterprise and Phoebe Price. The pair, who stood Supreme in the De La Hey Supreme Pony Championship in 2016, retained their Supreme Show Pony title 12 months ago, though this time they had to settle for Reserve Supreme overall in Sunday’s final.
8 Rise of the all-rounders
Several Hickstead champions from 2017 enjoy varied careers. Take the Show Hunter Pony champion Wolferlow Esperanto, for example – he’s competed in dressage and eventing before turning his hoof to the show ring, while Working Hunter Pony 2017 champions Matilda Lanni and Birkinbrook Arabella hunt and showjump in addition to doing workers.
9 Banks on it
Connemara stallion Banks Timber caught the eye when coming forward to the Supreme Pony final, having won the BSPS Heritage mountain and moorland ridden championship. It was owner and rider Sandra Burton’s first Hickstead win – and their first championship here too.
10 Third time lucky
Miniature Horse champion Spotlights Bo Diddly has won his class at the Royal International three times, but it wasn’t until his third win that he would go on to claim the overall honours in the BMHS Supreme Miniature horse final. The spotty stallion was 11 when he won the tricolour here in 2017, and he has been showing since he was a yearling. He’d won most of the major titles in his lengthy showing career but Hickstead’s championship had always eluded him – until last summer. For owner Alison Parsons, it was overwhelming to finally win.
This article first appeared in July 2018
14 moments we loved from the Royal International
From an Olympic champion making crêpes, a missing budgie, and a Whitaker winning the Nations Cup and King George for the second year in a row... Read all about our favourite moments from this year's Agria Royal International Horse Show!
View from the Press Office: June 2024
After a fantastic Al Shira'aa Hickstead Derby Meeting, our press officer Victoria Goff reflects on some of the standout moments from the show
Things you (probably) didn’t know about the Al Shira’aa Derby
We take a look through the archives to bring you some lesser-known facts about our most famous class
15 outstanding moments from the Royal International
Hickstead's Press Officer Victoria Goff takes a look back at some of the best moments from last month's Royal International Horse Show
Young guns
They are two of the best under-25 riders in the world, and last year they stood first and second in the King George V Gold Cup. Victoria Goff caught up with Gilles Thomas and Harry Charles
Quick as a Flash
Victoria Goff spoke to Gemma Stevens, last year's winner of the Ashby Underwriting Eventers' Challenge
A view from the Press Office: June 2023
Hickstead's Press Officer Victoria Goff takes a look at some of the standout moments from the Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby Meeting
Showing's standout moments from 2022
We take a look back at the best moments from the show ring at the 2022 Royal International Horse Show
Home turf
Shane Breen chats to Victoria Goff about finally winning the Al Shira'aa Derby, after nearly 20 years of trying
An Olympic ambition
Victoria Goff visits Al Shira'aa Farms, to find out more about their journey in showjumping.
Career change
It's been nearly two decades since the first RoR showing championship took place at Hickstead. Victoria Goff finds out more about transforming former racehorses into showing stars
In his prime
He's been one of the most consistent horses in the history of the Hickstead Derby - Victoria Goff finds out more about Harriet Biddick's remarkable horse A Touch Imperious
An outright victory
Clear rounds are a rarity in the Hickstead Derby, and often the class is won by a single first round clear. Victoria Goff takes a look back through the roll of honour
Hickstead's Christmas 2022 countdown
We count down our best moments from a brilliant year here at the All England Jumping Course
10 best moments from this year's Royal International
This year’s Longines Royal International Horse Show was a cracker – and wasn’t it wonderful to have five-star showjumping back at Hickstead where it belongs? Hickstead's Press Officer Victoria Goff picks out her top 10 moments from this year’s show.
The view from the Press Office - June 2022
Hickstead's Press Officer Victoria Goff reflects on a fabulous week at the Al Shira'aa Hickstead Derby Meeting.
Superb Swedes
Victoria Goff reflects on the current strength and depth of the Swedish showjumping team
Thirty glorious years
Hickstead's Press Officer Victoria Goff looks back over three brilliant decades of the Longines Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead
Magical moments from the Royal International
We choose some of the best moments from the past 30 years since the Longines Royal International Horse Show moved to Hickstead
Doney’s legacy
We pay tribute to Jon Doney, a highly-respected FEI official and an important part of Hickstead's team for many years
Doing the double
Only a select band of riders have won the British Jumping Derby and the British Speed Derby - Victoria Goff reveals which famous equestrians hold the honour of winning both
Teenage Dreams
In 2019, 19-year-old Michael Pender became the youngest ever rider to win the Hickstead Derby. Victoria Goff sat down to chat with him about his win
The Hickstead Derby in numbers
In 2022 we’ll see the 60th running of the Al Shira’aa Derby, one of the most iconic classes in showjumping. We take a look back over the decades at the Hickstead Derby in numbers.
60 facts about the Hickstead Derby
How well do you know the history of the famous Al Shira'aa Derby?
The 60th Hickstead Derby
The 60th Al Shira'aa Derby takes place in June 2022. Victoria Goff looks back on the history of Hickstead's most famous class
Harriet Nuttall Q&A
Showjumper Harriet Nuttall has an extraordinary record at Hickstead, having won the Science Supplements Speed Derby twice, the Science Supplements BHS Queen Elizabeth II Cup and the Science Supplements All England Grand Prix - plus finishing runner-up three times in the Al Shira'aa Derby. Alex Irwin caught up with her to find out more about what makes her tick.
Holly Smith Q&A
Alex Irwin caught up with Hickstead star Holly Smith at the Science Supplements All England Jumping Championships
The unstoppable Irish
Victoria Goff looks back at Ireland's stunning win in the 2018 Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup of Great Britain, and goes back into the history books to remember the other memorable Irish wins at Hickstead
William’s fabulous four
William Funnell joined the elite band of four-time winners of the Hickstead Derby last summer. Victoria Goff spoke to him about what it means to join the likes of Harvey Smith, Eddie Macken and brothers John and Michael Whitaker.
Top Speed
We take a look back over the history of the British Speed Derby.
By Victoria Goff
Five of the best
Five riders share the record of having four wins in the Hickstead Derby. Victoria Goff takes a look through the archives to relive these legendary performances.
Coming of age
A few days before his 21st birthday, James Whitaker scored his first major Hickstead win. Victoria Goff caught up with him ahead of the 2019 Longines Royal International Horse Show.
A Platinum President
The BHS President Martin Clunes is a regular visitor to Hickstead. Victoria Goff finds out more about his role at the British Horse Society, and why he loves coming to our shows
10 magical showing moments
We take a look back over some of the standout showing moments from the 2017 season
Perfect Timing
Paul Tapner talks to Hickstead Press Officer Victoria Goff about his first win in the MS Amlin Eventers' Challenge
Miss Consistent
Harriet Nuttall proved she's no Hickstead bridesmaid, when adding yet another major title to her CV last summer. Victoria Goff caught up with the reigning Queen Elizabeth II Cup winner
Fiesta Time
Brazil had an extraordinary run of form at last year's Longines Royal International Horse Show. Victoria Goff finds out more.
Worth the wait
Victoria Goff describes the wait Nigel Coupe had before he finally become the Al Shira'aa Derby Champion in 2017.
Doing it for Ella
Hickstead's press officer Victoria Goff caught up with Matthew Sampson, the winner of the Bunn Leisure Speed Derby
Race against time
Victoria Goff takes a look back at some of the famous Hickstead Derby jump-offs that have taken place over the years.
A New Era
Victoria Goff finds out more about Al Shira'aa, the title sponsors of the Hickstead Derby
12 moments we loved at this year’s Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby Meeting
The Al Shira’aa Derby drew our June fixture to a close, and what a way to round off four fabulous sunny days of showjumping and showing. We take a look back at some of the best moments of this year’s show.
#RoadToHickstead contenders reveal...
We ask some of our leading Al Shira'aa Derby contenders some killer questions.
Harriet and Nigel go head-to-head
Two of the main Al Shira'aa Hickstead Derby contenders, Harriet Nuttall and Nigel Coupe, discuss this year's challenge.
Hickstead Q&A - Hamad Ali Al Kirbi
UAE rider Hamad Ali Al Kirbi made his Hickstead debut last summer when he competed at the Al Shira'aa Hickstead Derby Meeting. We caught up with him ahead of this year's show.
Can you spot our Mystery Guests?
We're very busy preparing the International Arena ahead of this year's Al Shira'aa Hickstead Derby Meeting CSI4*, and with spring being somewhat late to arrive this year we've had to ask some special guests to join our Ground Crew!
Billy the King
Ireland's Billy Twomey enjoyed an amazing run of success at the 2016 BHS Royal International Horse Show, including a win in the Longines BHS King George V Gold Cup. Victoria Goff spoke to him about his golden run.
A home from home
Hickstead is very familiar stomping ground for David Simpson, the Queen Elizabeth II Cup winner in 2016. Victoria Goff spoke to him about winning on 'home territory'.
The One to Watch
In the run up to the 2017 Longines Royal International Horse Show, Hickstead Press Officer Victoria Goff caught up with Amlin Plus Eventers' Challenge winner Esib Power.
The nation's favourites
Earlier this year, we asked you to vote for your favourite Derby-winning horses. Victoria Spicer counts down your top 10.
An unforgettable Adventure
Adventure De Kannan is one of the most successful Hickstead horses of recent times. Victoria Goff looks back at the remarkable career of the one-eyed wonder horse
William Whitaker: How to win the Derby
The 2016 Hickstead Derby winner William Whitaker shares his winning formula!
William Whitaker: Advice for Hickstead newcomers
If you haven't ridden at the All England Jumping Course before, the 2016 Hickstead Derby champion William Whitaker shares his insights into competing here.
William Whitaker: The perfect warm-up
The current Hickstead Derby champion William Whitaker explains how to nail your warm-up routine, both at home and at competitions.
William Whitaker: Winning a jump-off
Want to nail those jump-off rounds? Hickstead Derby 2016 champion William Whitaker shares his advice, and suggests two training exercises to improve your performance against the clock.
William Whitaker's training secrets
In the run up to this year’s Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby Meeting, reigning Derby champion William Whitaker shares his showjumping training insights.
Words by Victoria Spicer, photos by Daisy Honeybunn
6 links between Hickstead and the Grand National
The home of British Showjumping and the most famous race on earth have more in common than you might think, writes Victoria Spicer...
A winning debut
Chloe Winchester, winner of the Templant Events Queen Elizabeth II Cup in 2015, chats to Victoria Spicer about her winning debut at Hickstead
Elizabeth the first
Last year Elizabeth 'Beezie' Madden became the first woman ever to win the Longines King George V Gold Cup. In 2015, she did it again. Hickstead's Press Officer Victoria Spicer caught up with America's first lady of showjumping.
12 moments we loved at this year's Derby meeting
There was rain, there was mud, but much more importantly there was some brilliant competition at this year's Equestrian.com Hickstead Derby Meeting. We choose our top 12 moments from this year's show.
Back on top
Hickstead Press Officer Victoria Spicer chats to the connections of Loughnatousa WB, a horse who holds a very special record in the Derby...
Three in a row
Journalist Andrew Baldock takes a look back over the Hickstead archives at the three riders who have won the Derby three times in succession - and finds out which other riders came close...
A cool guy
Victoria Spicer chats to Guy Williams, the winner of the 2015 British Speed Derby, about setting records and why Hickstead will always be special to him
Eight great Derby rivalries
There have been some amazing clashes in the 56 years of the Hickstead Derby. Pippa Cuckson takes a look at some of the great rivalries over the years...
Breen’s Derby dream comes true
Hickstead's Press Officer Victoria Spicer chats to the 2014 winner of the Equestrian.com Derby, Trevor Breen.
Five Minutes with Fran Callan
Continuing our new Five Minutes With... series, we caught up with Fran Callan, the head travelling groom for Trevor Breen. As part of her job, she looks after Hickstead megastar and reigning Equestrian.com Derby winner Adventure De Kannan...
Miller's tale
Victoria Spicer meets Phillip Miller, winner of the 2013 Hickstead Derby, to talk about his rise from riding school lessons to Hickstead champion.
A lesson with Derby winner Phillip Miller
When we ran an exclusive Hickstead Derby Community competition to win a lesson with the 2013 Derby winner Phillip Miller, we had a great response. In the end, we selected 25-year-old Jodine Brooks from Kent and her seven-year-old Dutch gelding, Camorasun.
15 facts about the Derby course
From poles that 'twang', resident newts and motorway fences turned into showjumps, Victoria Spicer investigates 15 things that you might not know about the most famous course in British showjumping...
Five minutes with Phillip Miller
Her latest victim in the 'Five Minutes With Series…', Daisy sits down with natural born comedian and Hickstead Derby superstar, 2013 winner Phillip Miller…
Five minutes with Bob Ellis
Daisy Bunn is back in the interviewer's chair this week with Hickstead's very own Bob The Buider, world renowned, Olympic course builder Bob Ellis...
10 iconic Derby moments
Last seen disappearing into our dusky archives, Hickstead Press Officer and journalist Victoria Goff has put together a review of 10 of our most iconic Derby moments over the years
Five Minutes with Steve Wilde
Continuing our new Five Minutes With... interview series, Hickstead Director Daisy Bunn sits down with Hickstead's 'golden tonsils', commentator and Director of Ceremonies Steve Wilde...
Five minutes with Daisy Bunn
As part of a new series, exclusively for our HDC members, Hickstead Director Daisy Bunn is going to catch key members of the Hickstead team for mini 5 minute interviews, to give our members a unique, behind-the-scenes take on everything Hickstead. Who better to start with than Daisy herself!
The best of the best
Equestrian journalist Charlotte Ricca-Smith asks Hickstead Derby winners to name the performance - apart from their own! - that impressed them most.
A Hickstead first
In 2013, Paul Beecher became the first person to produce a clear round having been drawn first to go in the Hickstead Derby, then go on to win the class. Victoria Spicer spoke to him about his achievement.
A National treasure
Harvey Smith is the only man to have won both the Hickstead Derby and trained a Grand National winner. Victoria Spicer reflects on his remarkable achievement.
Olympic heroes
Did you know that three out of the four showjumping gold medallists from London 2012 are past winners of the Hickstead Derby? Victoria Spicer catches up with them to find out what those wins meant.
CONTACT US
THE ALL ENGLAND JUMPING COURSE HICKSTEAD HASSOCKS WEST SUSSEX BN6 9NS Tel: +44 1273 834315 Fax: +44 1273 834452 View our Privacy Policy.
EVENTS
& TICKETS
PLAN
YOUR DAY
MEMBERSHIP
& SPONSORSHIP
