Yesterday (23 March) William Funnell shared the sad news that his 2018 Hickstead Derby winner, Billy Buckingham, had been put down due to a freak accident which resulted in a life-ending fracture.
Billy Buckingham, who was bred by the Funnells and Donal Barnwell at the Billy Stud and is by the stallion Billy Congo, amassed a number of impressive victories during his 12 years.
In addition to winning the Al Shira’aa Derby at Hickstead, he also represented Great Britain on Nations Cup teams, as well as at the 2018 World Equestrian Games. More recently, Billy Buckingham had just returned from the Sunshine Tour, where Pippa Funnell rode him in her first three-star grand prix at 1.50m.
Here, we take a look back through Billy Buckingham’s career to pay tribute to him…
Billy Buckingham and William in full flight at the 2018 Hickstead Derby
Representing Team GBR at the 2018 World Equestrian Games in Tryon
That winning feeling — William and Billy Buckingham enjoying their lap of honour at the Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby
Flying high in Tryon
The pair jumping in the 2017 Hickstead Derby, where they finished sixth
William and Billy Buckingham in a schooling round at the 2018 WEG
Once again, in full flight at WEG
Magical moments — soaking up the winning feeling at Hickstead in 2018
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