Equestrian journalist Charlotte Ricca-Smith asks Hickstead Derby winners to name the performance - apart from their own! - that impressed them most.
It's been more than five decades since Douglas Bunn founded the All England Jumping Course at Hickstead, and held the first ever British Jumping Derby. Yet in that time, the challenging course has barely changed.
Alongside the frankly terrifying 10ft 6in Derby Bank, there is the tricky Devil's Dyke, appropriately named after a local valley that is steep and deep, the titanic 15ft water, and 13 other tough fences designed to test the most talented horse and rider. "What makes the event so fantastic is that it's not what modern showjumpers do nowadays, so it's quite unique," says Rob Hoekstra, performance manager for British Showjumping. "As well as the severity of the course to cope with, it's also very long.
There are so many emotional things that happen during a round - and you can run into a problem anywhere." To win this class is every showjumper's ambition, and the general public love to watch the world's best battle it out for the coveted Boomerang Trophy. During its 53 year history, 29 riders have taken the title, and we asked a few of those victors who they thought provided the most exciting and most memorable Derby win - aside from their own, of course!
A fantastic round
Rob Hoekstra, who used to travel from Holland every year as a young boy to watch his favourite competition, won the Derby in 1999 riding Lionel II. "It was a lifetime ambition to ride in it, never mind win it, so it was a fantastic feeling," said Rob, who switched from Dutch to British nationality in 1987. "The European Championships were on at the same time so it was a good field, but we were the only clear round." Since becoming the Team GB Showjumping Performance Manager in 2010, Rob has had the pleasure of working with Britain's top equestrians. However, it was one young rider's performance in the Derby that sticks out most in his mind. "Ben Maher's win in 2005 was very good," says Rob. "He was only 22, so it was just at the beginning of his career, but he rode a fantastic round." Ben and Tim Stockdale both had one down in the first round, but Ben rode a clear in the jump-off to win the class. "Ben was always a very professional guy when he was younger, and was always looking for education and training to improve himself - and still is now," says Rob. "It always looked like he would make it to the top of the sport and now he is one of my main team riders."
Record breaker
William Funnell won the Derby three times riding Mondriaan, nearly matching his idol Eddie Macken's record of four consecutive wins from 1976 to 1979. Sure enough, it's Eddie's wins that stand out the most to him today. "I was jumping in ponies at the time and that fourth win with Boomerang, when he got to keep the trophy, really set me wanting to win the Derby," says William. "It always stuck in my mind - it was very wet that year and I remember the horse being covered in mud at the end. Since then it has always been an ambition of mine to win it." William came second and third a few times, but says it felt like it was "never going to happen". Then, in 2006, he finally won it - and repeated the feat a further two times. Wet weather seems to be a recurring theme for William, as the year after his first win, the soft going didn't suit Mondriaan and they came fourth, while Geoff Billington enjoyed his first win. Will then achieved back-to-back wins in 2008 and 2009, but didn't get the chance to have another crack at Eddie's record, as Mondriaan was retired aged 17 following colic surgery, parading one last time in the International Arena. "He's still fit and well now," says William. "Sometimes I see him trotting around and I think I retired him too early! His owner Julie Slade still jumps him and has a bit of fun with him, and he even competed in Hickstead's outside arenas last year."
Joy and emotion
What is one rider's misery is another's moment of glory, and for Geoff Billington winning the Hickstead Derby for the first time, at the grand old age of 52, was something he had waited a very long time for. It is for this reason, that fellow Derby winner Tina Fletcher cites Geoff's win as the one she remembers most fondly, back in 2007. Geoff and Cassabachus jumped the only clear round that year, which meant that despite gaining one time fault, victory was theirs. "His complete delight at finally winning really showed through," says Tina. "You could see the joy and emotion he was going through and what winning meant to him. Geoff's a good friend of ours so to see him so thrilled was a great moment." Tina's own win on Promised Land in 2011 was a mixture of "relief and joy" that she had "got the job done", as the year before the pair jumped a double clear but still only came second, behind Guy Williams and Skip Two Ramiro. Tina was the first woman to win the class since Alison Dawes in 1973, who also won it five years earlier as Alison Westwood. "I hope to be back again this year with Promised Land," says Tina. "He had more than a year and half off due to a slight injury, then I was away competing in Rotterdam during the last Derby, and then I injured myself falling from Hello Sailor at the beginning of the year. He's done two shows now, so as long as he's ok, we will be there."
Three in a row
The year that Tina came so close was Guy Williams' year of glory. According to Guy, he had always planned to win the class on Skip Two Ramiro, but somehow it never quite came off. Then, in 2010, the pair not only jumped a double clear, but managed such a fast jump-off time that they won it with 16 seconds to spare. "It felt great to finally win it because I'd solely concentrated on that class with Skip Two Ramiro," says Guy. "He was a good Derby horse, and I've grown up going to Hickstead, so it's a class I've always wanted to win. I used to ride for Dougie and I'm friends with the family. It's a very special place for me." Guy has never missed the Derby - whether as a spectator as a child or as a competitor - and there is one rider that stands out over all the others he's seen conquer the class over the years. "I've watched Peter Charles win it three times with Corrada - she was a good mare," says Guy. "The last time he did it, Peter told me he knew he was going to win it. I admire someone like that, with so much confidence and self-belief. To say you're going to win a class and then do just that is pretty impressive. He was my hero, really, as he won it before I did and I learnt a few things watching him."
V for victory
Showjumping legend John Whitaker knows a thing or two about jumping a Derby course. He first won Hickstead's version in 1984, riding the unlikely showjumper Ryan's Son and went on to claim victory three more times, with Gammon in 1998, Welham in 2000 and Buddy Bunn in 2004. "To win once is an achievement, so I'm lucky to have won it four times," says John in a typically matter-of-fact way. Few would agree that luck comes into play when John is riding, but it did seem that fate was on his side when he won with Gammon, as the 21-year-old was brought out of semi-retirement for the class. "My daughter Louise was jumping him at the time, but I didn't have a Derby horse that year so a couple of days before the show, my wife said 'why not jump Gammon'?" John remembers. "He didn't go fantastically in the Derby Trial, but he felt fit, so I decided to go for it, and then we won it. It was a bit of a turn up really, and great for the family. That was a good day." While that Derby win stands out as John's personal favourite, it was Harvey Smith's 'V' for victory that made a real impression on him as a young boy, still in juniors. "It was a great win. Mattie Brown was good to watch as he was quite a small, chubby type of horse, so he didn't look like your average showjumper, which inspired me," says John, who acknowledged the similarity between Harvey's Derby winner and his own, Ryan's Son. "But I also remember that day because he gave the 'V' sign. Harvey was my hero back then. Apart from the fact that he was a Yorkshireman and came from a normal background like me, he did a lot for showjumping because he gave it publicity. He was a massive boost to the sport."
This article was first published in June 2012
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
