Pender wins Hickstead Derby

Irish young rider Michael Pender from Co Kildare became the youngest ever winner of the famous Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby on Sunday.

Pender partnered the 12-year-old gelding Hearton Du Bois Halleeux. He successfully rode the only double clear round of the competition, to come out on top of the three-way jump-off.

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

Britain’s Harriet Nutthall finished second 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.

Speaking after the victory Pender said: “It hasn’t really hit me yet, but it’s what every rider that comes here dreams of.”

Pender is one of only two riders to win the Derby on their first attempt. Britain’s Michael Whitaker won the Derby on his first attempt with Mon Santa almost 40 years ago.

Aside from Pender’s triumph Irish riders dominated the competition. Elizabeth Power, Ger O’Neill, Richard Howley and Shane Breen with his second horse Can Ya Makan, were among a group of five Irish riders who finished in equal sixth place on eight faults in the first round.

Ronan Murphy, Horse Sport Ireland CEO, said: “This was an amazing performance from Michael Pender on his very first attempt at the Hickstead Derby.

“You just need to look over the list of famous Irish and international riders who have won the Hickstead Derby in the past to see how historic this achievement really is.

“Today’s result adds to Ireland’s rich association with the Derby. A special word also for Shane Breen and to Harriet Nuttall who played their part in a great competition.”