Ireland’s David Simpson wins the Queen Elizabeth II Cup at Hickstead’s Royal International Horse Show.
Clear winner
In a dramatic renewal of the Queen Elizabeth II Cup at Hickstead, David and his very own Chessy 17 took the title in convincing style.
The pair flew around the jump off, taking two seconds off the leading time that Holly Smith and Lammy Beach set.
Winning on a time of 47.85, David was second last to jump and with the powerful duo of Philip Miller and Caritiar Z next to go, the Irish rider hoped he had done enough.
“My real worry was Philip jumping after me, he knows that horse inside out and he loves that ring,” said David.
Holly Smith and Lammy Beach were the runners up, Emma Slater took third spot and Philip Miller and his 2013 Derby winning horse finished in fourth.
Talking after his win, David was delighted with his little mare, “She is like a cross between a pony and a motorbike! She is a real fighter,” he said.
Hickstead’s problem course
The International Arena today proved a tough test with many competitors failing to complete the course and only five making it through to the jump off.
Julie Andrews took a tumble at the water fence, after Ayrton IV refused to jump but luckily she managed to avoid a soaking.
Unlike last year’s winner, Chloe Winchester who cleared the water impressively, she had an unlucky four faults later on in the course.
Final result
1 David Simpson and Chessy 17
2 Holly Smith and Lammy Beach
3 Emma Slater and Art D Usance
4 Philip Miller and Caritiar Z
5 Robert Whitaker and Cash Sent