Sunday June 23, 2024
Sunday is Al Shira'aa Derby day!
Clare Balding once said about the Derby course: 'Forget about the fences that Grand National runners have to leap over at Aintree, these are child's play when compared to Hickstead's monsters!'
In 2018, William Funnell and his homebred Billy Buckingham joined the illustrious group of four-time winners, along with Eddie Macken, Harvey Smith, John Whitaker and Michael Whitaker. Then in 2019, a new record was set when 19-year-old Michael Pender from Ireland won the Al Shira'aa Derby on his first ever attempt, becoming the youngest winner of all.
Former winners have a very good track record when it comes to defending their title, but in a class so famous for its thrills and spills, anyone can win!
So come down and enjoy the spectacle, and take part in the Public coursewalk, accompanied by a magnificent marching band, one of the only chances anywhere in the world to get right up close to the famous course and the riders who hope to conquer it.
Please note: Times and class titles are provisional and subject to change.
