Strong field lines up for Hickstead Derby

This year’s Hickstead Derby Meeting has attracted a strong field of entries, with 13 nations represented and a total of 180 horses entered in the international classes. Entries for the national classes on the opening days of the show are already full, with record numbers wishing to compete at the All England Jumping Course.

Last year's winning horse Loughnatousa W B is due to return to defend his Hickstead Derby title, with Michael Lonsdale taking the ride for this year’s event. William Funnell, who made the jump-off last year, is back with Dorada and hoping to add a fourth Derby win to his collection. He will be joined by a bevy of past victors, including recent winners Guy Williams (Skip Two Ramiro) and Tina Fletcher (Promised Land).

Other riders to look out for include former Olympians Tim Stockdale, Geoff Billington, Michael Whitaker and London 2012 gold medallist Peter Charles.

Saturday's LED Sport Europe Speed Derby also promises to be a hotly contested battle, with last year's winner Trevor Breen aiming for back-to-back wins – although he'll have to be faster than ever to beat speed merchant brother Shane, who has won the class twice. Grand National winning jockey Robbie Power, who finished third in last summer’s Amlin Plus Eventing Grand Prix, is returning to Hickstead for a crack at the Speed Derby.

On Saturday evening the entertainment will continue long after the showjumping has reached its conclusion, with some of the country’s best riders lining up to try their hand at Donkey Sulky Racing – no doubt with hilarious consequences!