Hickstead is very familiar stomping ground for David Simpson, the Queen Elizabeth II Cup winner in 2016. Victoria Goff spoke to him about winning on 'home territory'.
It’s little wonder that Ireland’s David Simpson always looks so at home in the International Arena – having moved to Hickstead as a teenager to be based with Shane Breen, it’s become a pretty familiar hunting ground for him over the years. He’s picked up dozens of national titles here, he and his wife Louise (nee Pavitt) are familiar faces at all our events, and their two children are among the close-knit bunch of showjumping offspring who rule the roost at Hickstead during the shows!
Even when David and Louise made the step to set up alone, their first business venture was at Sue Bunn’s yard Stuccles Farm, a stone’s throw from the All England Jumping Course. Now they have a place of their own at Coolham near Horsham, they’re still in close vicinity to the showground that has played such a big part in their careers.
“Hickstead is my second home, I was only 17 when I moved here and the Bunn family always made me really welcome,” says David, who grew up in a big hunting family near the Co Donegal/Derry border. “The Derby Meeting is my favourite show in the world – or at least it comes a very close second to Dublin! There’s just so much history here.”
Last year he had his most successful Hickstead season to date, claiming both the Bunn Leisure Derby Trial with Gotti Van Paemel at the Derby Meeting, and the Templant Events Queen Elizabeth II Cup with Chessy 17 at the Longines Royal International Horse Show. David’s latter win made him the fifth man to lift the famous trophy since the class was opened up to both men and women in 2008 (previously it was restricted to women riders only). “The Queen’s Cup was one class I’d always wanted to win. Shane was always one of my heroes and he was the first man to win it, so it meant a lot for me to win,” he says.
Now one of the most prestigious championships in the British showjumping calendar, only the highest-ranked national riders are eligible to compete in the Queen Elizabeth II Cup. Last year David was one of just five who went clear in the first round, and being drawn second to last in the jump-off played to his strengths. “My mare is extremely quick so I knew I could be the fastest, but she can also jump big into doubles and trebles so I had to slow down a bit for the combinations.”
Having set the fastest time, he had to wait to see if former Derby winners Phillip Miller and Caritiar Z could match it. “I wasn’t nervous watching Phillip, I knew I’d done as much as I could and if I didn’t win then it wasn’t meant to be. I always try to have that mindset or you can get really frustrated in our sport,” he adds. In the end, Phillip shaved more than half a second off David’s time, but knocked the final fence to finish fourth.
Having claimed the title, David rode in to collect his trophy on a different grey horse. “Chessy hates prizegivings, she really frets, so if she’s going well we have to have another horse on standby!” He describes her as “funny looking and quite weird”, but it’s said with obvious fondness. “Beth Hall is her groom and she does everything for her, on Beth’s day off she doesn’t like anyone else looking after her,” he says.
It was Louise who first noticed the mare on the Portuguese tour, and David was immediately keen: “I saw her, I liked her and bought her,” he explains. Four months later she was sold to the States, although they had quite a bit of success in the interim, including a win at a CSI3* show in Beervelde, Belgium. The new owner rode her for a season, then asked David if he’d like to have the ride back – an opportunity he seized. “She’s incredibly careful. She’s so fast that to win you don’t even have to go that quickly. She’s like a cross between a pony and a motorbike.”
The mare is currently for sale, but for now David is having a great season with her, competing on the Irish Nations Cup team at the five-star show in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, and winning a Grand Prix in Valencia.
His Derby Trial winner Gotti Van Paemel has also been sold to a Young Rider in the States, though David hopes to have another crack at winning the class this year with the talented Keoki. “He won’t be ready for the Derby as he’s only eight, but he’s an incredible horse and has been placed in three Grands Prix already,” he says.
It’ll be the first time since 2012 that he’s not had a ride in the Al Shira’aa Derby, but he’s factored in the line-up several times in Hickstead’s most famous class over the years – most notably finishing fourth in 2013 and seventh and ninth in 2014. His Derby Trial victory was the first time he’d won a major international class here at Hickstead. “It’s really nice to win a class here, actually – usually it’s Louise who wins,” he said afterwards.
David was one of three riders to make it through to the jump-off in the Derby Trial, along with William Funnell (Billy Onslow) and Shane Breen (Acoustik Solo Du Baloubet). But when both riders picked up faults, it paved the way for David and Gotti to deliver a steady clear round to seal the win. It was a special summer all in all, as the Derby Trial and Queen’s Cup wins came shortly before his wedding to Louise. “I have to keep winning classes to pay for the wedding!” he joked in the press conference after his Royal International win.
The wedding was held at the South Lodge Hotel in West Sussex and the event was a veritable who’s who of showjumping, with Anthony Condon selected as Best Man and Louise’s sister Nicole Pavitt among the bridesmaids. The guests included the Bunn family and various Hickstead regulars such as Geoff Billington, Michael Duffy and Richard Howley. Shane Breen and Greg Broderick arrived late, having travelled over from the Olympics in Rio to attend – and the speeches were delayed when the whole wedding party paused celebrations to watch Nick Skelton claim individual gold in the showjumping final.
David and Louise’s two young sons Connor and Charlie were also part of the wedding party, and they’re another reason that Simpson loves competing at Hickstead so much as it means he can be closer to home. “I counted being on 17 different flights this year, and they were all before February!” he explains. “This lifestyle can be really tough, you’re away nearly every weekend so you need to have a very understanding partner if they’re not in the sport themselves. The hours are crazy.”
So how do they combine parenthood with life on the international showjumping circuit? “We’re lucky to have an incredible girl called Emily West who is our secretary, PA and nanny – she runs mine and Louise’s life. We couldn’t function without her. She books flights, does accounts, organises the tours abroad and will come out to international shows with the kids.”
The birth of son Connor four years ago coincided with David’s decision to leave Breen Equestrian after many years as part of the team. “I’d come up through ponies, juniors and young rider teams in Ireland and was looking for somewhere to go to train over the winter,” he says. “My Dad had been chatting to Shane at a show and asking him for advice about where I could go – lots of my friends were going to the States so I was thinking of doing that. But Shane offered for me to go to Hickstead for the winter, and I ended up staying for seven years! It’s a real team there, you worked ridiculously hard, but it was such a cool atmosphere for a young person to be in. Even though I’ve set up on my own now, I still work closely with Shane.”
This year the goal is for both David and Louise to improve their international rankings, and David wants to represent Ireland on some more Nations Cup teams. Another good season at Hickstead would be a bonus, too. “Hickstead is an incredible arena to ride in. Even when the stands are full of people and the atmosphere is electric, when you ride through that archway it’s like you’re there on your own. Even though the shows are so prestigious, and us riders are under pressure to do well, it’s always really relaxed and fun.” As they say, there’s no place like home.
This article first appeared in July 2017.
15 outstanding moments from the Royal International
Hickstead's Press Officer Victoria Goff takes a look back at some of the best moments from last month's Royal International Horse Show
Young guns
They are two of the best under-25 riders in the world, and last year they stood first and second in the King George V Gold Cup. Victoria Goff caught up with Gilles Thomas and Harry Charles
Quick as a Flash
Victoria Goff spoke to Gemma Stevens, last year's winner of the Ashby Underwriting Eventers' Challenge
A view from the Press Office: June 2023
Hickstead's Press Officer Victoria Goff takes a look at some of the standout moments from the Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby Meeting
Showing's standout moments from 2022
We take a look back at the best moments from the show ring at the 2022 Royal International Horse Show
Home turf
Shane Breen chats to Victoria Goff about finally winning the Al Shira'aa Derby, after nearly 20 years of trying
An Olympic ambition
Victoria Goff visits Al Shira'aa Farms, to find out more about their journey in showjumping.
Career change
It's been nearly two decades since the first RoR showing championship took place at Hickstead. Victoria Goff finds out more about transforming former racehorses into showing stars
In his prime
He's been one of the most consistent horses in the history of the Hickstead Derby - Victoria Goff finds out more about Harriet Biddick's remarkable horse A Touch Imperious
An outright victory
Clear rounds are a rarity in the Hickstead Derby, and often the class is won by a single first round clear. Victoria Goff takes a look back through the roll of honour
Hickstead's Christmas 2022 countdown
We count down our best moments from a brilliant year here at the All England Jumping Course
10 best moments from this year's Royal International
This year’s Longines Royal International Horse Show was a cracker – and wasn’t it wonderful to have five-star showjumping back at Hickstead where it belongs? Hickstead's Press Officer Victoria Goff picks out her top 10 moments from this year’s show.
The view from the Press Office - June 2022
Hickstead's Press Officer Victoria Goff reflects on a fabulous week at the Al Shira'aa Hickstead Derby Meeting.
Superb Swedes
Victoria Goff reflects on the current strength and depth of the Swedish showjumping team
Thirty glorious years
Hickstead's Press Officer Victoria Goff looks back over three brilliant decades of the Longines Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead
Magical moments from the Royal International
We choose some of the best moments from the past 30 years since the Longines Royal International Horse Show moved to Hickstead
Doney’s legacy
We pay tribute to Jon Doney, a highly-respected FEI official and an important part of Hickstead's team for many years
Doing the double
Only a select band of riders have won the British Jumping Derby and the British Speed Derby - Victoria Goff reveals which famous equestrians hold the honour of winning both
Teenage Dreams
In 2019, 19-year-old Michael Pender became the youngest ever rider to win the Hickstead Derby. Victoria Goff sat down to chat with him about his win
The Hickstead Derby in numbers
In 2022 we’ll see the 60th running of the Al Shira’aa Derby, one of the most iconic classes in showjumping. We take a look back over the decades at the Hickstead Derby in numbers.
60 facts about the Hickstead Derby
How well do you know the history of the famous Al Shira'aa Derby?
The 60th Hickstead Derby
The 60th Al Shira'aa Derby takes place in June 2022. Victoria Goff looks back on the history of Hickstead's most famous class
Harriet Nuttall Q&A
Showjumper Harriet Nuttall has an extraordinary record at Hickstead, having won the Science Supplements Speed Derby twice, the Science Supplements BHS Queen Elizabeth II Cup and the Science Supplements All England Grand Prix - plus finishing runner-up three times in the Al Shira'aa Derby. Alex Irwin caught up with her to find out more about what makes her tick.
Holly Smith Q&A
Alex Irwin caught up with Hickstead star Holly Smith at the Science Supplements All England Jumping Championships
The unstoppable Irish
Victoria Goff looks back at Ireland's stunning win in the 2018 Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup of Great Britain, and goes back into the history books to remember the other memorable Irish wins at Hickstead
William’s fabulous four
William Funnell joined the elite band of four-time winners of the Hickstead Derby last summer. Victoria Goff spoke to him about what it means to join the likes of Harvey Smith, Eddie Macken and brothers John and Michael Whitaker.
Top Speed
We take a look back over the history of the British Speed Derby.
By Victoria Goff
Five of the best
Five riders share the record of having four wins in the Hickstead Derby. Victoria Goff takes a look through the archives to relive these legendary performances.
Coming of age
A few days before his 21st birthday, James Whitaker scored his first major Hickstead win. Victoria Goff caught up with him ahead of the 2019 Longines Royal International Horse Show.
A Platinum President
The BHS President Martin Clunes is a regular visitor to Hickstead. Victoria Goff finds out more about his role at the British Horse Society, and why he loves coming to our shows
10 magical showing moments
We take a look back over some of the standout showing moments from the 2017 season
Perfect Timing
Paul Tapner talks to Hickstead Press Officer Victoria Goff about his first win in the MS Amlin Eventers' Challenge
Miss Consistent
Harriet Nuttall proved she's no Hickstead bridesmaid, when adding yet another major title to her CV last summer. Victoria Goff caught up with the reigning Queen Elizabeth II Cup winner
Fiesta Time
Brazil had an extraordinary run of form at last year's Longines Royal International Horse Show. Victoria Goff finds out more.
Worth the wait
Victoria Goff describes the wait Nigel Coupe had before he finally become the Al Shira'aa Derby Champion in 2017.
Doing it for Ella
Hickstead's press officer Victoria Goff caught up with Matthew Sampson, the winner of the Bunn Leisure Speed Derby
Race against time
Victoria Goff takes a look back at some of the famous Hickstead Derby jump-offs that have taken place over the years.
A New Era
Victoria Goff finds out more about Al Shira'aa, the title sponsors of the Hickstead Derby
12 moments we loved at this year’s Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby Meeting
The Al Shira’aa Derby drew our June fixture to a close, and what a way to round off four fabulous sunny days of showjumping and showing. We take a look back at some of the best moments of this year’s show.
#RoadToHickstead contenders reveal...
We ask some of our leading Al Shira'aa Derby contenders some killer questions.
Harriet and Nigel go head-to-head
Two of the main Al Shira'aa Hickstead Derby contenders, Harriet Nuttall and Nigel Coupe, discuss this year's challenge.
Hickstead Q&A - Hamad Ali Al Kirbi
UAE rider Hamad Ali Al Kirbi made his Hickstead debut last summer when he competed at the Al Shira'aa Hickstead Derby Meeting. We caught up with him ahead of this year's show.
Can you spot our Mystery Guests?
We're very busy preparing the International Arena ahead of this year's Al Shira'aa Hickstead Derby Meeting CSI4*, and with spring being somewhat late to arrive this year we've had to ask some special guests to join our Ground Crew!
Billy the King
Ireland's Billy Twomey enjoyed an amazing run of success at the 2016 BHS Royal International Horse Show, including a win in the Longines BHS King George V Gold Cup. Victoria Goff spoke to him about his golden run.
A home from home
Hickstead is very familiar stomping ground for David Simpson, the Queen Elizabeth II Cup winner in 2016. Victoria Goff spoke to him about winning on 'home territory'.
The One to Watch
In the run up to the 2017 Longines Royal International Horse Show, Hickstead Press Officer Victoria Goff caught up with Amlin Plus Eventers' Challenge winner Esib Power.
The nation's favourites
Earlier this year, we asked you to vote for your favourite Derby-winning horses. Victoria Spicer counts down your top 10.
An unforgettable Adventure
Adventure De Kannan is one of the most successful Hickstead horses of recent times. Victoria Goff looks back at the remarkable career of the one-eyed wonder horse
William Whitaker: How to win the Derby
The 2016 Hickstead Derby winner William Whitaker shares his winning formula!
William Whitaker: Advice for Hickstead newcomers
If you haven't ridden at the All England Jumping Course before, the 2016 Hickstead Derby champion William Whitaker shares his insights into competing here.
William Whitaker: The perfect warm-up
The current Hickstead Derby champion William Whitaker explains how to nail your warm-up routine, both at home and at competitions.
William Whitaker: Winning a jump-off
Want to nail those jump-off rounds? Hickstead Derby 2016 champion William Whitaker shares his advice, and suggests two training exercises to improve your performance against the clock.
William Whitaker's training secrets
In the run up to this year’s Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby Meeting, reigning Derby champion William Whitaker shares his showjumping training insights.
Words by Victoria Spicer, photos by Daisy Honeybunn
6 links between Hickstead and the Grand National
The home of British Showjumping and the most famous race on earth have more in common than you might think, writes Victoria Spicer...
A winning debut
Chloe Winchester, winner of the Templant Events Queen Elizabeth II Cup in 2015, chats to Victoria Spicer about her winning debut at Hickstead
Elizabeth the first
Last year Elizabeth 'Beezie' Madden became the first woman ever to win the Longines King George V Gold Cup. In 2015, she did it again. Hickstead's Press Officer Victoria Spicer caught up with America's first lady of showjumping.
12 moments we loved at this year's Derby meeting
There was rain, there was mud, but much more importantly there was some brilliant competition at this year's Equestrian.com Hickstead Derby Meeting. We choose our top 12 moments from this year's show.
Back on top
Hickstead Press Officer Victoria Spicer chats to the connections of Loughnatousa WB, a horse who holds a very special record in the Derby...
Three in a row
Journalist Andrew Baldock takes a look back over the Hickstead archives at the three riders who have won the Derby three times in succession - and finds out which other riders came close...
A cool guy
Victoria Spicer chats to Guy Williams, the winner of the 2015 British Speed Derby, about setting records and why Hickstead will always be special to him
Eight great Derby rivalries
There have been some amazing clashes in the 56 years of the Hickstead Derby. Pippa Cuckson takes a look at some of the great rivalries over the years...
Breen’s Derby dream comes true
Hickstead's Press Officer Victoria Spicer chats to the 2014 winner of the Equestrian.com Derby, Trevor Breen.
Five Minutes with Fran Callan
Continuing our new Five Minutes With... series, we caught up with Fran Callan, the head travelling groom for Trevor Breen. As part of her job, she looks after Hickstead megastar and reigning Equestrian.com Derby winner Adventure De Kannan...
Miller's tale
Victoria Spicer meets Phillip Miller, winner of the 2013 Hickstead Derby, to talk about his rise from riding school lessons to Hickstead champion.
A lesson with Derby winner Phillip Miller
When we ran an exclusive Hickstead Derby Community competition to win a lesson with the 2013 Derby winner Phillip Miller, we had a great response. In the end, we selected 25-year-old Jodine Brooks from Kent and her seven-year-old Dutch gelding, Camorasun.
15 facts about the Derby course
From poles that 'twang', resident newts and motorway fences turned into showjumps, Victoria Spicer investigates 15 things that you might not know about the most famous course in British showjumping...
Five minutes with Phillip Miller
Her latest victim in the 'Five Minutes With Series…', Daisy sits down with natural born comedian and Hickstead Derby superstar, 2013 winner Phillip Miller…
Five minutes with Bob Ellis
Daisy Bunn is back in the interviewer's chair this week with Hickstead's very own Bob The Buider, world renowned, Olympic course builder Bob Ellis...
10 iconic Derby moments
Last seen disappearing into our dusky archives, Hickstead Press Officer and journalist Victoria Goff has put together a review of 10 of our most iconic Derby moments over the years
Five Minutes with Steve Wilde
Continuing our new Five Minutes With... interview series, Hickstead Director Daisy Bunn sits down with Hickstead's 'golden tonsils', commentator and Director of Ceremonies Steve Wilde...
Five minutes with Daisy Bunn
As part of a new series, exclusively for our HDC members, Hickstead Director Daisy Bunn is going to catch key members of the Hickstead team for mini 5 minute interviews, to give our members a unique, behind-the-scenes take on everything Hickstead. Who better to start with than Daisy herself!
The best of the best
Equestrian journalist Charlotte Ricca-Smith asks Hickstead Derby winners to name the performance - apart from their own! - that impressed them most.
A Hickstead first
In 2013, Paul Beecher became the first person to produce a clear round having been drawn first to go in the Hickstead Derby, then go on to win the class. Victoria Spicer spoke to him about his achievement.
A National treasure
Harvey Smith is the only man to have won both the Hickstead Derby and trained a Grand National winner. Victoria Spicer reflects on his remarkable achievement.
Olympic heroes
Did you know that three out of the four showjumping gold medallists from London 2012 are past winners of the Hickstead Derby? Victoria Spicer catches up with them to find out what those wins meant.
CONTACT US
THE ALL ENGLAND JUMPING COURSE HICKSTEAD HASSOCKS WEST SUSSEX BN6 9NS Tel: +44 1273 834315 Fax: +44 1273 834452 View our Privacy Policy.
EVENTS
& TICKETS
MEMBERSHIP
& SPONSORSHIP
