It’s been an exciting day here at Hickstead where the Bunn Leisure Derby Trial has got us all geared up for the Equestrian.com Derby on Sunday (June 29).
Biggest win
The top thirty-five riders from today’s Derby Trial have qualified for Sunday’s Derby by fighting it out round a 1.60m track that gives the horses an introduction to some of the trickiest obstacles in the iconic main ring.
Swedish rider Angelie Von Essen had two fantastic rides, coming in first on Jordan II and third on Deesse VD Donkhoeve.
It was one the biggest wins of the Swede’s career, and she took home the lion’s share of the £21,500 prize-fund, although she will not be contesting the Derby on Sunday.
“It feels amazing to win here, I wasn’t sure if he would jump it. The ring is amazing. It’s such a traditional show – there’s really nothing like it,” said Angelie. “I will not be doing the Derby though, I’m too scared!”
Thrilled
The rider is thrilled with the nine-year-old gelding who is still green at this level, but managed to produce the only double-clear after getting through to the seven-strong jump-off.
“With the bank and the double of ditches there are a lot of things to look at. When your horses are green you are not sure if they are going to jump it,” she told H&C.
Talented young Brit Harriet Nuttall continued her impressive record at Hickstead, putting a in strong performance to claim second place with A Touch Imperious.
Showing stars were also in top form in the Blue Chip Native BSPS Heritage Supreme Open Ridden Championship, won by Katie Chappel riding Brynseion Bendigo and followed by Bridget Enstone taking the Horsedeals.co.uk Supreme Cob Championship on the aptly named Cob In Hood.
Speed & Power
William Funnell was victorious in the last class of the day – the Bunn Leisure Master’s Challenge – a tricky class which tests speed and power as riders jump a round against the clock before having to bring their horses back to jump a line of 1.50m gates.
William’s ride, nine-year-old Billy Mexico, was the fastest clear by a wide margin after they came home in 42.21 seconds.
William said he was really happy with the stallion, and had considered entering him in the Derby Trial this morning, but had decided to give him more time after the horse had a limited campaign last year due to stud commitments.