Trevor Breen did the double and claimed the Equestrian.com Hickstead Derby for the second year running – this time with Loughnatousa WB.
Unbelievable feeling
The Derby champion proved he knows the course better than anyone when he posted the only clear of the day with the 16-year-old gelding.
It was an emotional victory for the Irishman last year with ‘one-eyed wonder horse’ Adventure De Kannan. But it was not to be for Addy this time as he took down two poles in the second part of the course.
The Buckinghamshire-based horseman said it was “an unbelievable feeling” to take the title with Loughnatousa, who also won in 2012 under previous rider Paul Beecher.
“To win it once was a dream come true and to win it twice was a bit surreal,” he told H&C.
Jumped out of his skin
The chestnut gelding, who was produced by Paul Beecher before Trevor took on the ride last year, made the 16 fence challenge look like a piece of cake as he put in a foot perfect performance.
“He jumped out of his skin for me,” added the rider. “The petrol tank was a little low towards the end of the course there, so I was thankful I didn’t have to jump-off.
“I did believe I had a chance because I was riding two past winners so obviously I had a chance, but you never know because it’s such a tough course.
“In the classes 54 year history I think there have only been 55 odd clears. A lot has to go right to get round safely.
“Addy also gave me a fantastic ride. He tried his heart out for me and I could ask no more.”
Nail-biting wait
Only seventh to go out of 37 starters, it was a nerve-wracking wait for the rider as he watched formidable challengers – including 2013 winner Phillip Miller and last to go Harriet Nuttall – navigate the iconic course.
“Watching Phillip and Harriet was nail-biting stuff,” said Trevor. “It is a horrible position to be in because I am great friends with both of them, so you don’t want to be wishing them to have poles down, but it’s just human nature I guess.”
The Irish Sport Horse, by Springline Elegance VII, has also become the first horse to win the Derby twice under different riders.
The long way round
Trevor, younger brother of fellow showjumper Shane, decided to take a different route on his approach to the Devil’s Dyke – swinging round the outside of the road jump and turning back.
He told H&C: “I prefer that way. My brother Shane taught me to do that and it works really well.
“I like it and obviously the horses seem to like it – it’s just rider preference really. Both of them jumped the Dyke so I’m going to stick to it.”
The ambitious rider now has his sights set on the securing a full house of wins at Hickstead by claiming the King George V Gold Cup at next months Royal International Horse Show.
He added: “What better setting than Hickstead? It’s traditional English showjumping at its very, very best.
“I will be back at RIHS to hopefully have a crack at the King George and maybe the Nations Cup as an individual.”