Seven Whitakers head to Hickstead for the Derby meeting
Scott Brash is also set to pull the crowds, and there is free admission on the first day of international competition
Hickstead Derby
Go straight to the latest Hickstead Derby news
The Hickstead Derby is one of the most famous showjumping classes in the world. It is an iconic event that attracts the biggest of names from around the showjumping world, but not all horses are suited for this unusual test, which includes numerous natural obstacles including ditches, banks and open water.
Held at the All England Jumping Course in West Sussex, which is also home to the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS), the 2024 Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby Meeting will take place on 19-23 June with Hickstead Derby tickets available to buy now.
William Funnell, Harvey Smith, John Whitaker and Michael Whitaker have each won the class four times in its long history, but no one has managed to beat, or even match, Eddie Macken’s unbelievable record of four consecutive wins on the same horse, the legendary Boomerang, set way back in the 70s.
The Hickstead Derby is a 1,195m course of vast proportions, boasting 28 fences to challenge the scope and boldness of horse and rider. The main attractions are the Devil’s Dyke and the challenging Derby Bank, an obstacle with 1.04m rails on top and a 3.2m slope down the front with imposing 1.6m white rails just two strides from the base of the bank.
This fixture also hosts a full range of senior national showjumping classes, with something for almost every calibre of affiliated rider alongside the international classes. For the showing community there are qualifiers for this year’s RIHS, plus scurry driving and plenty of shopping for visitors to enjoy too.
Visit the official website
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3 Hickstead Derby legends — where are they now?
H&H decided to visit three past winners — Cassabachus, Mondriaan and Adventure De Kannan — to find out what they’re up to now. Life is very good for this trio of Hickstead legends it turns out...
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British showjumper eyes fourth Derby win
The rider came second last year, with just a step back at the top of the bank
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Singing Sampson eyes Hickstead glory after Hamburg win
Matt Sampson is returning to Hickstead as the defending British Speed Derby title holder and will also be aiming for a Hickstead Al Shira’aa Derby victory
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Fancy living near Hickstead? Take a look at these West Sussex gems…
All eyes have been on West Sussex this week with the Hickstead Derby meeting. Why not make it a local event with one of these great equestrian properties?
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Judges revealed for Royal International Horse Show and Hickstead Derby 2018
Find out which judges will be officiating in each of the classes
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Everything you need to know about the 2017 Hickstead Derby winner
If the news that Nigel Coupe had clinched the Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby last Sunday (25 June 2017) left you wanting to know more about the showjumping star, we’re here to help
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The hairiest moments from Hickstead 2017 (and the bits that made us smile too)
You don't have to be a showjumping expert to know when the Hickstead Derby isn't going quite to plan
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Hickstead crowds say fond farewell to one-eyed wonder horse
Showjumping fans gave Adventure De Kannan a rousing reception during his official retirement ceremony at Hickstead
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British riders jump-off for Hickstead Derby glory
Two clears in the first round saw British riders go head-to-head in a jump off for the first time since 2014
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Catch ride wins British Speed Derby at Hickstead
This year’s speed derby winner sat on his winning ride just twice after a three year break prior to victory
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Vote for your favourite Hickstead Derby winner of all time
We salute the winners of the Hickstead Derby and invite you to vote for your favourite
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‘A crying shame’: two-time winner to miss Hickstead Derby
The 2015 winner will not contest the class this year as he has sustained what is hoped to be a minor injury
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One-eyed Hickstead legend to retire at this year’s Derby
'I didn’t think it was fair to him to keep going, and I don’t want to be unfair to a horse who has given me everything'
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Former Hickstead Derby winner dies after heart attack
He was a 'real soldier and a true family horse'
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Phillip Miller: 'It’s not every week you fall off in a gymkhana and then win the Hickstead Derby' *H&H VIP*
The 2013 Hickstead Derby winner reflects on this year's show
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Meet the 2016 Hickstead Derby winner William Whitaker
Following William Whitaker's Hickstead Derby win this weekend (26 June) with the chestnut gelding Glenavadra Brilliant, find out what makes the 26-year-old tick — from his favourite TV show to his biggest indulgence
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William Whitaker triumphs in the 2016 Hickstead Derby *VIDEO*
Hear from this year's Derby victor — after he seals the victory with one time-penalty
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Hickstead Derby returns to TV after one year break
Hickstead director Lizzie Bunn said the team is really pleased as it is a class showjumping fans "really look forward to watching on TV"
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11 moments Geoff Billington won’t forget in a hurry
This week's showjumping guest editor reveals the memories he won't be forgetting (plus a few he wish he could forget)
