Trevor Breen triumphs in thrilling Hickstead Derby

Trevor Breen of Ireland and his 1-eyed wonder horse Adventure De Kannan today (29 June) won the Equestrian.com Hickstead Derby after a thrilling jump-off.

After an afternoon of non-stop drama, it all came down to a mere 0.02sec as Trevor went head-to-head with the 2013 title holder Phillip Miller (Caritiar Z), both having finished on 4 faults in round 1 in a year when clear rounds proved elusive.

First up, Phillip produced a 2nd 4-fault round, just succumbing to a rail in the Devil’s Dyke. But the Irishman followed in hot pursuit and, when the back rail of the privet oxer fell, Trevor and Karen Swann’s “Addy” accelerated home with no further faults – stopping the clock just a fraction quicker to take the famous Boomerang trophy.

“He’s a Trojan of a horse,” said Trevor, who won this at his fourth time of trying with the 14-year-old son of Kannan, who lost an eye last year. “His heart makes him special.”

Phillip Miller was nevertheless delighted to come so close to landing the double with the great grey “Carter”, another 14-year-old. A trio of riders finished equal 3rd on 8 faults – Jade Hooke (A New Era), Harriet Nuttall (A Touch Imperious) and William Whitaker (Glenavadra Brilliant).

Don’t miss the full report, analysis and all the thrills and spills from this year’s Equestrian.com Hickstead Derby in the next issue of Horse & Hound (out 3 July).

Jennifer Donald

H&H showjumping editor

Jennifer is passionate at showjumping and her role as H&H’s showjumping editor has taken her around the world reporting from shows and interviewing riders, connections and those involved behind the scenes. Since joining H&H from BBC Sport in 2005, she has written on every subject across the equestrian sphere — from turnout rugs to stable management — and has interviewed gold medallists, world champions and winners galore. She also has first-hand experience of working in the equestrian industry as a riding instructor and yard manager.