Adventure De Kannan jumps in to the history books

​The Hickstead phenomenom that is Adventure De Kannan returned for a glorious triumph in the Templant Events Queen Elizabeth II Cup on Saturday (2 August) with Irishman Trevor Breen.

This year’s Hickstead Derby winners already have the speed Derby, the eventing grand prix and the national grand prix on their illustrious role of honour at the West Sussex venue and now the prestigious Queen’s Cup can take pride of place on the Breen mantelpiece.

“The King George is all he has left to win here but that’s as big a task as any,” said Trevor. “He’s just a phenomenal horse who loves this arena.”

Trevor and Karen Swann’s one-eyed gelding took a long route round the water jump to the double in the six-rider jump-off but still soared home with a 0.05sec advantage over their nearest rivals.

The runner-up spot went to Robert Whitaker, winner of the international class earlier in the day, riding USA Today with Laura Kraut third with Nouvelle.

Don’t miss the full report from the Queen’s Cup and all the action from the Royal International Horse Show in Thursday’s issue of Horse & Hound (out 7 August).

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.