Guy William’s scorching form continued at Hickstead today as he set a new record in the British Speed Derby – his third win in as many days.
Five seconds faster
The Normandy-based Brit made it two years in a row for him and 13-year-old Casper De Muze, knocking nearly five seconds off last year’s winning time.
The chestnut gelding came home clear in 91.95 seconds, pipping second place rider Harriet Nuttall – who made it round faster, but had a pole – to the top spot for the second time.
Zoe Adams came home third with Satonamillion, who was clear all the way until she saw a flyer to the last and the back pole fell.
Birthday wish
But it wasn’t just skill that brought the winner home ahead of the clock, the rider said he had some extra luck courtesy of wife Debra.
“It was my wife’s birthday the year that I won the Derby on Skippy and she wished that I would win,” Guy told H&C.
“It was her birthday today and I bet she wished that Casper would win it.”
Always the bridesmaid
It was a tough day for top young rider Harriet Nuttall, who has had to settle for runner-up in this class twice before, and was beaten by Guy and Casper last year.
She said: “I have had a really great show, but I did find it quite tough coming second this time.
“I knew Guy was going to be a real challenger, but I rearly thought I had done it. When I looked up and saw I was on 88 seconds I knew I was lightning fast and I thought even with the plank I might be able to win it.
“Guy had to find four seconds to beat me and he found five. I will be back every year until I win it.”