Derby winner returns for further Hickstead glory

After watching wife Pippa compete at Burghley, William Funnell returns to the scene of his Derby triumph to win the All England grand prix

- SARAH RADFORD

WILLIAM FUNNELL secured a historic fifth Derby victory at the first Hickstead meet of the season and returned to land another win at the last, running away with the £3,000 All England grand prix by almost two seconds on Billy Picador.

"We've not been in the ring a lot - this is the first time I've jumped her since the Royal International - but she's a quick mare who's done good things for me," said William, who had driven up late the previous evening after watching wife Pippa's cross-country round at Burghley.

"It proves I can still get out of a medium canter!"

Although this 1.40m track was a step down for the 12-year-old, who has jumped five-star Nations Cups, the field was brimming with class combinations.

Several days of heavy downpours meant action was moved from the International Arena to the all-weather surface in Equine America ring three, where horses were jumping well to produce a nine-strong jump-off.

Proceedings opened with déjà vu from week one's grand prix when Shane Breen, who had two rides through, delivered a fast pathfinder on Cato Boy but took a gamble to the last and lowered the pole.

The first competitive clear came from next-in Sandy McLean - who was on form having already bagged two wins that morning-riding 10-year-old Calcord II with a round that was good enough for second.

Jude Burgess (Oilina), Max Routledge (Ascadina PPZ) and Thursday's 1.40m open winner Lucy Townley (Billy Be Boss) all produced slower clears, with the only faster round coming from prolific winners James Smith and Juno Rose, who knocked the first part of the double.