Horse & Hound's coverage of The Equestrian.com Hickstead Derby Meeting (24-28 June) is brought to you in association with Equestrian.com
The Hickstead Derby — more correctly known as the Equestrian.com Derby — is a unique test of horse and rider in the showjumping arena. Combining traditional showjumps with the challenges of Hickstead’s ‘natural’ obstacles, it takes a very special partnership to win this class.
This year will be the 55th running of this world-famous class which rounds off the meeting on the Sunday afternoon (28 June 2015). In all that time there have only been 56 clear rounds around the course — a true testament to its challenging nature.
The iconic Hickstead Derby Bank is one of the biggest challenges on the course and while some partnerships can make it look (fairly) easy, others get to the top of the 10ft 6in descent and appear unsure how to tackle it.
“Forget about the 28 fences that Grand National runners have to leap over at Aintree, these are child’s play when compared to Hickstead’s monsters!” Clare Balding once said about the Derby course.
Over the years horses have jumped straight off the top, refused to descend or even gone down backwards. So here are a selection of less-than-copybook attempts from the Horse & Hound picture archives.
1990: Greg Mangan and Lahorna Queen
1992: Tina Fletcher
Continued below…
Hickstead Derby through the decades [PICS]
Take a look back at the combinations that have shone in the Hickstead Derby over the past 5 decades
2002: Jans Fredricson and Greve Molke
2003: Scott Smith and Amandaleah
2006: Carlos Mota Ribas and Rebbel
2012: Guy William and Richi Rich III
2012: Guy William and Richi Rich III
2012: Ben Maher and Air Force HH
2013: Charles Luyckx and Lightning 67
2014: Wendy Schaeffer AUS riding Koyuna Sun Set
This year’s Hickstead Derby meeting runs from 24-28 June 2015. While the meeting is best know for its international showjumping classes — there’s plenty more on offer to keep the crowds entertained. Dozens of showing classes will take place during the five days, including the prestigious final of the Tattersalls/RoR Thoroughbred Show Horse Championship, plus scurry driving and and a celebrity polo match.
Keep in touch with all the action during the show on HorseandHound.co.uk and don’t miss the full Hickstead Derby report in 2 July issue of Horse & Hound magazine
No comments:
Post a Comment