Britain’s number one showjumper Scott Brash will be competing at Hickstead’s season finale, the All England Jumping Championships (31 August – 3 September).
The Peeblesshire-born rider, who is now based close to Hickstead in West Sussex, has entered Thursday’s 1.40m Open class with his horse Hello Forever. Scott is an Olympic gold medallist and former World number one, and he currently sits 10th in the world rankings.
“Scott is an incredible talent, and this week’s All England Jumping Championships will give showjumping fans the chance to watch the master in action,” said Hickstead Director Lizzie Bunn. “Entry and parking is free for spectators so it’s the perfect opportunity to come down to Hickstead to see several of Britain’s best riders compete, and to enjoy a relaxing day of showjumping.”
Another top rider who has relocated closer to Hickstead is Ireland’s Trevor Breen, who has recently set up a brand-new yard very close to the showground. He will be competing at the Championships with several horses, including Bombay II and Lord Luidam.
Trevor, the Hickstead Derby winner in 2014 and 2015, is among the winners of the All England Grand Prix, the £6,000 1.40m championship held on the final day of the national show. Other former All England Grand Prix winners heading to the show for another crack at the title include reigning champion Phillip Miller, who has won the class for the past two years, and Ireland’s Michael Duffy, another dual winner of this class in 2013 and 2014.
As well as Scott Brash, two other Olympic riders are among the entries at the show, including David McPherson and Tim Stockdale. Three members of the Whitaker family will be in action too: Robert Whitaker and his wife Kate, plus Robert’s cousin Thomas Whitaker.
Bunn Leisure Derby Tankard victor and Al Shira’aa Derby runner up Holly Smith has had a great season at Hickstead – and she’ll no doubt be hoping to finish on a high at this week’s national show. Other names to look out for include two former Queen Elizabeth II Cup winners, Chloe Winchester and Keith Doyle; Billy Stud stable jockey Alex Gill, British Speed Derby champion Matthew Sampson and local rider Louise Simpson, who has a great record at the All England Jumping Course.
Young talents include Hickstead Under-25 Champion Jake Saywell and Amy Inglis, who were both part of Great Britain’s gold medal-winning team at the recent FEI European Young Rider Championships.
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