Once again the Hickstead Derby was a true success for all last week. The Al Shira’aa Derby took place in perfect conditions, with dry, sunny weather all week, now in its 57th year, it has been won by many of the world’s best known showjumpers and remains one of the most iconic classes in the sport.

Andrews Bowen are proud surface suppliers to Hickstead arenas, the Bunn Leisure arena & International warm up arena are surfaced with Prowax Competition surface, which is best suited for the large volume of horses working in the arena.

Ring 4 was fully constructed by the Andrews Bowen team, the existing turf arena was on a large gradient which was levelled to give the viewing bank alongside the arena. Entrance and exit ramps were added and features within the arena including a Devil’s Dyke, water splash and a bank. All of the arenas received fantastic feedback on all of the surfaces throughout the show…

Paul Gaff, winner of the Equitop Myoplast senior Foxhunter “I love riding on the Andrews Bowen surfaces. The consistency of the footing gives my horses a lot of confidence allowing me to really put the pressure on in both a competition and training environment!”

A huge congratulations to all of our clients who competing throughout the week, here are some of the outstanding results…

Ireland’s Shane Breen added another victory to his tally of Hickstead wins when claiming the honours in the Bunn Leisure Derby Trial at Hickstead. Shane also secured his second international win of the week when winning the Hickstead Master’s Trophy with the nine-year-old stallion Clyde VA.

Shane trains on Andrews Bowen London 2012 surface in his Equaflow System indoor arena based at Hickstead, which is a self irrigating arena giving a top quality surfacing solution whilst minimising mains water use. Shanes Indoor arena is a fully water managed Equaflow System including rain water harvesting from roof above the arena, surplus water is made available for horse wash downs via Pressure Pumps. The washdown water is taken from water collected in the Equaflow system.

Olympic gold medallist Scott Brash had his first international win at the All England Jumping Course when competing at the Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby Meeting. His victory in the Bunn Leisure Derby Tankard came on the nine-year-old Hello Shelby, who jumped a double clear in a time of 35.60sec.

The former world number one showjumper lives locally to the West Sussex showground, having relocated from his native Scotland in 2015. “So much history has gone on in the International Arena, so it’s great to ride in there, and the footing here is amazing,” added Brash.

Yorkshire’s Matthew Sampson rode out the winner of the Bunn Leisure Speed Derby for the second year in a row. His victory came on his 2017 champion Topflight True Carlo, who is a former event horse owned by Christine Spanner. Matt has Andrews Bowen surfaces at Parklands Equestrian, based in Sheffield.

Britain’s William Funnell joined an illustrious group of four-time winners when claiming the Al Shira’aa Derby at Hickstead.

Riding the homebred 10-year-old Billy Buckingham, William was one of just two riders to go clear in the first round, meaning he had to jump-off for honours against Holly Smith and Quality Old Joker. “I’d like to congratulate the Bunns on the work they’ve done in the arena, this is the best grass ring in the world with the best footing,” added William.

Holly Smith was bidding to become the first female winner since 2011, and only the sixth in history, but she had to settle for second place following her third place debut in 2017 with Quality Old Joker.

Next will be the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ of Great Britain at the BHS Royal International Horse Show (25-29 July) at Hickstead, Andrews Bowen will once again be there to answer all of your equestrian facility queries.