Work has been completed on a new modern grandstand at Hickstead.
The construction of the new grandstand at the All England Jumping Course in West Sussex was finished on Saturday (20 June) just in time for the Equestrian.com Derby meeting, which kicks off tomorrow (Thursday 25 June).
The old grandstand situated next to the Derby Bank was demolished last month (5 May) and the new grandstand stands in its place.
“It looks really smart and the view is even better than the previous one because it’s four metres higher,” Victoria Spicer press officer for Hickstead told H&H.
“The weather is fantastic and people will be flocking to it.”
It took two diggers 24-hours to demolish the old stand, which has been a feature at the showground for the past 44 years.
The new grandstand, which was used in the 2012 Olympics, has proper seating rather than benches.
The famous Derby Bank has also been re-turfed and “is looking very green”.
Equestrian.com Hickstead Derby Meeting
This year’s event promises to be as exciting as ever.
The first international class is the Stoner Jewellers’ Vase, held tomorrow morning (25 June) and that afternoon Derby hopefuls will get their preparations underway in the Bunn Leisure Derby Tankard.
Those hoping to qualify for Sunday’s Equestrian.com Derby must do so in Friday’s Bunn Leisure Derby Trial.
Saturday plays host to the British Speed Derby.
Although the event is best known for its international showjumping classes, there is plenty more on offer for equestrian fans, including showing classes and scurry driving.
Horseandhound.co.uk will be publishing regular reports from the Equestrian.com Derby meeting so you can keep on top of all the showjumping action. Also, don’t miss full coverage and insight in next week’s Horse & Hound magazine, out next Thursday (2 July)
