Two wins for Ireland on Hickstead opening day

IRISH riders won two out of the three international competitions on the first day (Thursday) of the famous Hickstead Derby Meeting in West Sussex.

The opening class, The Camardo Coffee Speed Derby Qualifier, was won by Ireland’s Ger Clarke and the Irish Sport Horse Kellswater Crimson, but Richard Howley and Zantiago RV were less than two seconds behind, with David Simpson providing the third Irish top placing with a fourth on the bay gelding Arantos.

A second Irish win followed closely, with Tipperary’s Sussex-based Shane Breen scorching home in the Stone Jewellers Vase class with over three seconds in hand on the bay mare Zarnita. Runner-up was Sweden’s Angelie von Essen and Nickie Mill.

Victory in tonight’s feature class, the 1m50 Jump Off, was taken by Saudi Arabia’s Abdullah Sharbatly and the mare Buckskin, but Shane Breen also went double clear on the irish Sport Horse Cos I Can to claim third place. Co. Down’s Dermott Lennon and Vampire did not make the second round, but finished in ninth, while Sven Hadley and the Irish Sport Horse Realt na Carraig took tenth place.

The famous Hickstead Derby takes place on Sunday.

BREEDING

Kellswater Crimson (ISH) – 2000 chestnut gelding by Cruising (ISH) out of Cool Rain Clover (ID), by Clover Hill (ID C1). Bred by Rory Fox, Colraine Bungalow, Tullamore, Co. Offaly. Owner/Rider: Gerard Clarke (IRL)

Cos I Can (ISH) – 2003 bay gelding by Olympic Lux (KWPN) out of Carel View Lass (ISH), by Harlequin De Carel (SF). Bred by John Griffin, Ballyvogue House, Asketon, Co. Limerick. Owner/Rider: Shane Breen (IRL)