Funnell secures historic double

William Funnell rode the round of his life to land the DFS British Jumping Derby at Hickstead on Sunday.

The 40-year-old Englishman claimed victory and the £30,000 first prize on Cortaflex Mondriaan with the only clear round in a three way jump-off.

“This was the one I most wanted to win,” said the Dorking-based rider.

It is only the second time in the show's 46-year history that the same partnership has achieved the Derby Trial/Derby double in the same year.

The last time it happened was in 1979 when Ireland's Eddie Macken was victorious on Boomerang.

Funnell, the husband of eventing star Pippa, saw off David McPherson on the mare Bob's Diamond and Geoff Billington on Cassabachus in the jump-off.

“He is a wonderful horse, it never occurs to him to do anything except go forward,” said Funnell of Cortaflex Mondriaan.

Results (02.07.06)
Hickstead Derby 2006

1. Mondriaan / William Funnell (Gbr): 4/0/99.63s
2. Bob´s Diamond / David McPherson (Gbr): 4/4/86.11
3. Cassabachus / Geoff Billington (Gbr): 4/8/88.57
4. Give Me Remus / Ben Maher (Gbr): 8/163.39
4. Lactic 2 / John Whitaker (Gbr): 8/166.53
4. Skip Two Ramiro / David McPherson (Gbr): 8/175.50
4. Alfredo II / Ben Maher (Gbr): 8/173.95
4. Jerry Maguire / Robert Smith (Gbr): 8/168.69
9. Karina / Robert Whitaker (Gbr): 12/178.32
10. Finbarr V / Robert Whitaker (Gbr): 16/170.78
10. Newmarket Girl / Sarah Kate Quinlivan (Irl): 16/167.53