Stellar list of Brits hoping for home glory at Hickstead 

John Whitaker – Derby Hickstead 2023 (c) Boots and Hooves Photography

Twelve months ago, British riders produced a rare double at Hickstead, with victory in both the Nations Cup and the King George V Gold Cup.

Now the home nation will be hoping they can replicate that feat, with a strong line-up of British riders due to compete at the Agria Royal International Horse Show (24-28 July).

Robert Whitaker became the first British rider in 10 years to win the King George V Gold Cup – the Grand Prix on the final day of the show – when he won on board Vermento in 2023. In doing so, he joined his father John Whitaker on the roll of honour, with John lifting the iconic gold trophy in 1986 (Ryan’s Son), 1990 (Milton) and 1997 (Welham).

Robert and John are both on the squad for the Agria Nations Cup of Great Britain, alongside Jodie Hall McAteer (Hardessa), Tim Gredley (Medoc De Toxandria) and Ben Maher (Exit Remo). Ben is another winner of the King George V Gold Cup, taking the title with his London 2012 ride Tripple X III. Ben, currently ranked world number two, will compete at Hickstead shortly before heading to Paris to defend his Olympic showjumping title.

As host nation, Britain is allowed to invite additional riders to compete in the five-star classes at the show.

Three more members of the Whitaker family are competing alongside John and Robert at the show, including Donald, William and Jack. Jack, 22, is the son of Michael Whitaker, who is a four-time winner of the King George V Gold Cup.

Joe Stockdale, who is the travelling alternate for the British Showjumping team for Paris, is keen to win Hickstead’s Grand Prix after his late father Tim won it in 2010. “My Dad had one of his biggest wins in the King George V Gold Cup so to follow him has been a big goal of mine all the way through my career,” said Joe.

Two-time Speed Derby winner Matt Sampson has rocketed up the showjumping rankings in recent years, since leaving his native UK to split his time between Canada and Europe. Matt secured his first five-star win at Royal Windsor in May, quickly following up with another at Spruce Meadows, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Sheffield-born rider secure another big win at Hickstead.

Fresh from his win in the Al Shira’aa Derby, William Funnell returns to Hickstead with his Derby-winning ride Dublon as well as Equine America Billy Picador. While his riding career has been scaled back of late, William is a rider who knows what it takes to win in Hickstead’s International Arena, and the King George is no doubt a trophy that he would like to add to his collection before retiring.

Ireland has enjoyed plenty of success in the Nations Cup of Great Britain, and they’re fielding a strong squad including European team gold medallist Denis Lynch, and Cian O’Connor, who heads to Paris for what will be his fourth Games. David Simpson, the Al Shira’aa Derby winner of 2023, is also on the squad, as well as rising stars Tom and Max Wachman, the grandchildren of John and Sue Magnier – the owners of Coolmore Stud.

The Germans have also fielded a strong squad for Hickstead, with Marcus Ehning returning to the showground where he has had plenty of success over the years, alongside compatriots Rene Dittmer, Jörne Sprehe, Patrick Stühlmeyer and Michael Viehweg.

Other top names to look out for include Ireland’s Shane Breen, Brazil’s Marlon Modolo Zanotelli, France’s Marc Dilasser and the USA’s Natalie Dean.

A host of national talents are also due to come forward for Saturday’s Queen Elizabeth II Cup, a prestigious championship open to the highest ranked riders based in Great Britain. These include former winners Laura Renwick, James Whitaker and Harriet Biddick, while Hickstead-based Shane Breen is hoping for a hat-trick after winning this class in 2022 and 2023.

Tickets for the Agria Royal International Horse Show (23-28 July) are on sale now, with general admission prices starting from £20. Visit www.hickstead.co.uk to book.

Press release Derby Hickstead