Record-breaking Al Shira’aa Derby played out in front of bumper crowds

Visitors to last week’s Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby Meeting were up by 15% from the previous year.

The three Grandstands were packed on both days of the weekend, with hospitality spaces sold out on Saturday and Sunday.

The crowds on Saturday got to enjoy a thrilling renewal of the British Speed Derby, which was won by Elliott Rowe and Hyperion VP Wisbecq; before Sunday’s grand finale saw William Funnell win the Al Shira’aa Derby for a record fifth time, with his win coming courtesy of the 13-year-old Dublon.

William enjoyed a particularly fruitful week at Hickstead, after he and Dublon also shared first prize in Friday’s Agria Derby Trial. He was the first rider to win both the Derby Trial and the Derby itself in the same year since 2006, when William had achieved the same feat with Cortaflex Mondriaan.

Asked what made the Al Shira’aa Derby so special, Funnell said: “It's a spectacle. As a kid, riding in the Derby was something I dreamed of – and now, I’ve won it more times than Eddie Macken and Boomerang. It’s a great honour.”

There had been some discussion that William might retire from competition after securing his fifth win, but he played down this rumour. “The horse is only 13, so I might come back next year. I’m currently employed by Al Shira’aa as chef d’equipe of the UAE team, which I really enjoy, so after Paris we’ll see.”

As well as some superb sport, visitors to the show also got to enjoy the shopping village, with tradestand numbers up 18%.

“The Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby Meeting was a fantastic show, with perfect weather conditions helping to bring in packed crowds,” said Hickstead Director Lizzie Bunn. “Congratulations to William on his record fifth win, and to all Dublon’s connections.  After coming so agonisingly close last year, it was a hugely popular win.

“We would also like to say a massive thank you to Al Shira’aa for their sponsorship of this meeting. They have been the title sponsor of the Hickstead Derby since 2017, and since then have grown to become one of the biggest sponsors of equestrian sport in this country. We would like to express our gratitude to Al Shira’aa founder HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan for her ongoing support of Hickstead.”

The next fixture to take place at the All England Jumping Course is the five-star Agria Royal International Horse Show (23-28 July). Tickets are available here.