BREAKING NEWS – Ireland’s Michael Pender becomes youngest ever winner of the Hickstead Derby

Nineteen-year-old Michael Pender from Co Kildare has become the youngest ever winner of the famous Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby in the UK today (Sunday). An incredible performance from Pender and the 12-year-old gelding Hearton Du Bois Halleeux, saw them produce the only double clear round of the competition, to come out on top after a three-way jump-off.

Pender joins an illustrious group of Irish past winners of the Derby, that includes Seamus Hayes, Paul Darragh, John Ledingham, Eddie Macken, Peter Charles, Paul Beecher and Trevor Breen,

Britain’s Harriet Nutthall finished as runner-up with The Irish Sport Horse A Touch Imperious, while Tipperary’s Shane Breen with the stallion Golden Hawk were the only other combination to jump clear in the opening round to finish third.

FULL REPORT TO FOLLOW….