DERBY COURSE-WALK
It’s a unique challenge of skill, ability and bravery, so what does it take to ride round Hickstead’s famous Derby fences? The 2022 winner Shane Breen guides us round
SINCE the master of Hickstead Douglas Bunn held the first Hickstead Derby in 1961, the class has attracted a succession of the world’s leading athletes and horses to tackle its notorious fences, from the fiendishly difficult Devil’s Dyke to the world-renowned 10ft 6in Bank. Clear rounds are remarkably hard to achieve, so what does it take?
The 2022 winner Shane Breen, who returns for this year’s Al Shira’aa Derby with nine-year-old stallion Fanfan De Beaufour and catch ride, Eve McCoy’s Nows The Time, shares his insight.
“There’s nothing quite like trotting into the International Arena at Hickstead to compete in this special class,” says Shane, who won with the sole clear on Can Ya Makan two years ago. “Many experienced horses rise to the occasion, but when the crowd applauds it’s natural for them to get a bit anxious – they know it’s showtime. So from a rider’s point of view, you are trying to get them settled and relaxed before the bell rings for you to start.”
FENCE 1
“HORSES don’t normally spook at a fence like this; even Derby newcomers will have jumped a similar brick wall. But it should never be dismissed – one year John Ledingham and Kilbaha did a funny slip coming into it in the jump-off, and as a result knocked the rustic pole off the top.
“You certainly can’t take anything for granted around Hickstead.”
FENCE 2
“YOU have to steer around the Irish bank to get to this oxer of white poles, so the horses don’t see it until quite late. It’s not that high but it is very wide – you can’t just waltz round the corner underpaced and expect them to clear it. Some horses get a bit high over it as they’re not used to seeing Christmas trees in a jump like that, but it’s Derby day so people have schooled and prepared – the course hasn’t changed for 60 years so you can do your homework.”
FENCE 3A AND B
“THESE are all about straightness, the approach and good rhythm. The fences are very tall and if it’s sunny there can be glare off the water. With that, the blue of the water and the white rails, you have to focus to see them. The ground runs downhill, so you need to keep your leg on but sit tall.
“You land and have one stride before th
