David McPherson rode Skip Two Ramiro to victory in a seven-horse jump-off for the Bunn Leisure Derby Tankard, the second major class on the opening day of Hickstead’s DFS Derby meeting.
The South African-born rider, who was the star of Britain’s winning Super League Nations Cup in Rotterdam last weekend, took over the chestnut on the request of usual jockey Guy Williams.
Guy is still recovering from a broken and dislocated shoulder sustained in a fall at South of England Show and although he has returned to the saddle, he jarred his arm this morning and was unable to ride.
“There’s no man better to take a horse over than David,” said Guy, who has handed the reins over for the Sunday’s Derby, too.
David produced two immaculate rounds to win from Gemma Plumley, who is celebrating her selection for Britain’s young rider European squad on Continue B.
