Local artist creates a fabulous illustration of the Equestrian.com Derby

Illustrator Brett Hudson has created an amazing work of art, showing all the delights of the International Arena during the Equestrian.com Hickstead Derby Meeting. 

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Children's illustrator Brett is used to creating large scene images, especially of farm yards. But this was the first time he'd tackled an equestrian event. 

"I have to say I really enjoyed learning so much about the history of Hickstead," says Brett. "I knew of riders like Harvey Smith, but I read up about him and learned all about the story behind his famous 'v' sign, so to put some meat on the bones on the stories that I’ve heard about was great." 

Before the event itself, Brett created the backdrop - including the grandstands, the water jump and the horse on the bottom corner refusing to go down the Derby Bank. "As a total outsider to the Derby, this year was the first time I'd seen the Bank and I thought it was the most unbelievable thing I’ve ever seen! I wanted to bring out the funny side, and I love illustrators like Thelwell, so I drew a horse with his arms crossed at the top of the Bank."

The resulting cartoon became a mixture of a historical piece, with a number of past winning riders, combined with this year's Hickstead victors. As well as Harvey Smith you can see fellow past Derby winners Tina Fletcher and Promised Land plus Phillip Miller and Caritiar Z. The 2015 winners Trevor Breen and Loughnatousa WB are seen in the bottom right, being presented with the Boomerang Trophy by Equestrian.com's CEO Lorraine Meadowcroft. 

Other eagle-eyed Hickstead fans will spot Lizzie and Edward Bunn, photographic steward Julian Portch - and, of course, the famous Hickstead shark! 

The original illustration will be auctioned off in aid of the Mark Davies Injured Riders Fund, Hickstead's chosen charity of the year, and you can see the original displayed on their stand throughout the Longines Royal International Horse Show. 

Alternatively, you can buy A3 signed prints for £25 plus postage and packing. Visit Brett's website to order. 

 

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19 - 22 June 2025 

Tickets will go on sale early December 

The Al Shira'aa Hickstead Derby Meeting

22 - 27 July 2025

Tickets will go on sale early December 

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