Al Shira’aa Derby, The All England Showground, W Sussex
DAVID SIMPSON said words could not describe how it felt to realise his long-held dream of winning the Al Shira’aa Derby – after he and the eight-year-old Pjotr Van De Kruishoeve triumphed in a three-way jump-off.
David and the Dutch-bred stallion – who won the sevenyear-old championship at last year’s Derby meeting with David’s wife Louise – tipped just the Derby rails to finish on 90.48sec, ahead of William Funnell and Dublon, who had cleared everything but the middle part of the Devil’s Dyke to finish on 91.68sec. William was also third on Equine America Billy Diamo, whom he retired in the jump-off.
“He’s incredible,” David said. “I came here in 2007 to work for Shane Breen, but before that, from as young as I can remember, when you talked about showjumping, you talked about the Hickstead Derby. So to lift that trophy – words can’t describe it.”
William had looked on good odds to take what would have been a record fifth Derby victory. His first-round clear on Billy Diamo was a masterclass in jumping the course, footperfect from start to finish, to the delight of the crowd.
It was still the only clear when he came back in on Dublon, 15 horses later, and produced an almost carboncopy round. It looked as if William could have won his fifth title – until the next rider, David Simpson, came in. The athletic stallion took every fence in his stride, jumping the Derby course for the first time as if he had done it 20 times before and setting up the jump-off.
Esta historia es de la edición June 29, 2023 de Horse & Hound.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición June 29, 2023 de Horse & Hound.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'
Fresh from the opening meet, Tessa Waugh hasn't quite yet been bitten by the hunting bug. Without the crisp autumnal air and cheek-pinching cold she hoped for, it's a sluggish start
New pair pull off a win
A former European Championships pony is on form with his new rider, while elsewhere former showjumpers and eventers take ribbons
Lording it over the rest
Horses who have returned from injury, a second generation homebred and a long format specialist score on the final weekend of the British season
Smith hits flying form
A \"her way or no way\" mare helps Zoe Smith to an impressive ribbon haul and a rider beats his own boss to the top spot
Jankorado hits the jackpot
Paul Sims is triumphant despite his interrupted jump-off preparation and a borrowed horse comes up trumps
Peanut
From \"dangerous, scary\" to hedge-hopping brilliance, hunting has been the making of this unstable but very lovable equine character
She's a corker
Communication, says long-standing and highly respected Belvoir master Lady Sarah McCorquodale, is the key to all, as Catherine Austen discovers
Access all areas Cavalier Centre
The Cavalier Centre is a fully accessible, state-of-the-art equestrian centre designed to improve lives through horse-based activities. Ellie May Forrester pays a visit
'Use it or lose it'
Not everyone wants to reach for the pipe and slippers at a certain age. Becky Murray speaks to some veteran horse-and-rider combos for their secrets of human and equine longevity
A new way forward
Worm control in horses is vital, but established methods will not remain effective for much longer. Tim Mair FRCVS explains why and how we need to change