Hickstead's press officer Victoria Goff caught up with Matthew Sampson, the winner of the Bunn Leisure Speed Derby
Amid all the elation of Matthew Sampson’s win in last year’s British Speed Derby, there was a tinge of sadness. Following his lap of honour, a breathless Matt immediately dedicated his win to Ella Popely, a talented young showjumper who had died in a road accident six months earlier at the age of just 18. “She was like my little sister,” says Matt, who had spent two years living with Ella, her brother Jack and their mum Lea Popely when he was a teenager. “Ella always used to say to me, you’ve got to win the Speed Derby, and I’d say to her, well, hopefully one day I will. Before the class Lea told me I had to do it for Ella. It was a bit weird that the first year after it happened, I got the ride on that horse at the last minute, and that was the year I finally did it.”
Some things are just meant to be. Having not ridden Topflight True Carlo for several years, Matt was asked to take on the ride on the British-bred Warmblood gelding just one day before the class. The horse had been ridden in the Astore & Sons Speed Derby qualifier by Christy Kemp, but Matt was asked to step in for the Speed Derby itself. “Christy had done a good job with him, he was raring to go which made it easier for me,” he says.
Matt had finished third in the same class with the horse in 2014, behind winner Guy Williams and runner-up Harriet Nuttall. That time, it had been the white gate four from home that had caught Sampson out. “I knew I had to give that a little bit of respect this time round, but apart from that I just wanted to go as fast as I could,” explains Matt, who was drawn 11th out of 30 starters.
Having taken an absolute flier to the last oxer, Matt crossed the finish line in 92.73sec to take the lead. But two former winning combinations were still to come – Guy Williams, who was aiming for a third win on Casper De Muze, and reigning champion Harriet Nuttall with Silver Lift. But when Guy felt his horse tiring he had eased up to finish in 95.59sec, while Harriet knocked an early pole to give Matt some breathing space. Matt found himself outside the International Arena almost unable to watch, anxiously moving from spot to spot as he waited to find out whether he’d stayed on top of the leaderboard. Harriet ended up finishing the course nearly two seconds up on the clock, but that fence down had cost her the win. “It was definitely a nervous wait,” Matt recalls.
It was the first big international win 27-year-old Matt has had at Hickstead, a place he’s been coming to since he was little. His parents own a riding school and livery yard in Yorkshire, and he was put on a pony from a very early age. “My elder brother and sister didn’t ride, so I didn’t have any choice!” he says. His first pony was called Honey, and he did a “bit of everything” with her, including being a member of Grove & Rufford Pony Club and going hunting with the Rockwood Harriers. Matt began competing in British Showjumping from the age of eight, and made his Hickstead debut on 128cms ponies, but his first appearance in the International Arena didn’t quite go as planned. “The first time I jumped here, I fell off right by the open grandstand! The pony stopped, and I didn’t, so I had a long walk out of the arena with a bridle in my hand.”
Despite the inauspicious start to his Hickstead career, he would later go on to win the Winter 138cm Championships here on a pony called Strawberry Fair. “It was my first win at a big show, and that made me want to do it again,” he recalls. He became renowned as a prolific winner on ponies, then went on to be selected to ride at the European Championships twice as a junior (winning team gold in Prague in 2008) and twice as a Young Rider. He also won the individual bronze medal at the Australian Youth Olympic Festival in Sydney in 2009, and won the Young Showjumper of the Year class at Olympia the same year.
Matt had left school at the age of 16 and headed south to be based with Duncan Inglis, whom he describes as “a great trainer and good friend”. He stayed for four years, including the two where he lived with the Popelys. After a spell in Belgium, where he was based with top rider and trainer Henk Nooren, Matt returned to Sheffield at the age of 21 to set up his own yard.
Although his yard is based in the north, he still spends summers back at Lea Popely’s in West Sussex. “It’s a home from home for me. I’m competing most weekends, and it’s easier to get abroad from here,” he explains.
He has around 8-10 horses in his string, including Speed Derby winner Topflight True Carlo, who returned to Matt’s yard in April after wintering with his owner. ‘Boycott’, as he is known in the stable, has a unique background for a top showjumper. His owner, Christine Spanner, bought him when he was five as an all-rounder, and she has competed him in showjumping, eventing, hunting, and team chasing, which undoubtedly helps when it comes to tackling some of the Speed Derby’s unusual fences. Even now that showjumping is Boycott’s main job, Christine hacks him out most days in the country park next to her house, and he lives out at grass 24/7. “He’s a lovely horse, he’s not sharp, but he’s always lived out and it works for him,” says Matt.
The pair’s Speed Derby win was not just a dream come true for the rider, it meant a lot to the horse’s owner too. “I’ve watched this class since I was a young child – I can’t thank Matt enough for what he’s done,” said Christine, after watching their win last summer.
This year Matt is aiming to defend his win in the British Speed Derby, and he is one of the leading contenders for this year’s Al Shira’aa Derby as well, having won the Hamburg Derby on David McPherson’s mare Gloria van Zuuthoeve last month. It was a masterly bit of riding to jump clear on the obviously keen mare, and he was the only rider in the jump-off who produced a double clear to win.
Now with major wins at Hickstead and Hamburg under his belt, he’d love to make it to the CSIO5* here in July, and he has his sights on eventual team selection. “My main ambition is to build up a team of horses to do five-star shows, so that’s what I’m working on now, and obviously Senior championships and Olympics are everybody’s biggest dream,” he says.
Aside from his Derby successes, Matt has hit the headlines for winning the Foxhunter Final at HOYS in 2017, and for his singing talent. Keen to get into the four-star show at Bolesworth last year, he filmed himself singing several songs of his own composition, serenading organiser Nina Barbour, and they were uploaded to social media. His plan worked – he got into the show, and his videos got viewed nearly 300,000 times.
No such singing will be required as he returns to Hickstead this week – though he’s got a lovely voice (check out our Facebook page to see him and his friend Joe Whitaker perform a special version of ‘King of the Road’ if you want proof). The Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby Meeting is a show he loves coming to. “The atmosphere is so special, and I love all the build up to the big classes. There are always several favourites in the Speed Derby and the Derby, it’s never clear who’s going to win. Anything can happen on the day. Me and my friends have been coming here since we were on ponies and we would wait all week to watch the Speed Derby, so for one of us to do well in it last year was a great day, really special,” he says.
He loves jumping on grass too, and thinks you don’t get better going anywhere than in Hickstead’s main ring. “When you canter into the International Arena, it never gets old. Whether it’s a big class or not, you still get that same feeling, you want to do well simply because it’s Hickstead.”
But ask him if he thinks he can win twice in a row, and he remains pragmatic. “I’m going to try, anyway!” he says, with a smile – he rarely stops smiling, if truth be told. The guy who loves spending time with his family but equally adores life on the competition circuit; the unassuming northerner with the brilliant singing voice; the determined speed king who is quietly working away to get to the next step in his sport. Here’s a talented young rider with his mind on the big time but his feet firmly on the ground. Ella would be proud.
This article first appeared in June 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
