Riders dead heat in young horse showcase
Friday 21 June 2019
There was an unusual result in the Al Shira’aa British Six-Year-Old Jumping Championship at Hickstead, with two competitors finishing on the exact same time of 33.94 seconds to share first prize.
Ireland’s Michael Pender (MHS New York) and Britain’s Matt Sampson (Ivory) finished joint top of the leaderboard in the class, which is under the new sponsorship of Al Shira’aa.
“It’s crazy to think that you can finish on the same time in one of the biggest rings in the world,” says Michael Pender. “I’m delighted with the horse; he jumped brilliantly. It’s unbelievable to know that your horse can step up to the big occasion and the big arenas.”
Matt Sampson, who has won the Science Supplements Speed Derby for the past two years with Topflight True Carlo, was delighted with his young mare Ivory’s performance.
“She’s a really nice horse, she’s very careful. She’s fast, too, but I knew that Mikey’s horse is fast,” says Sampson. “It’s unbelievable, really, but it worked out well for us both.”
Both riders agree that to take a win in the Longines International Arena – no matter how unusual the circumstances – is a privilege.
“Every time you go into that ring you want to do well, it’s so special. All of us are trying to do well whenever we get the chance to ride in there,” says Sampson.
Pender adds: “It’s very special – it’s what we come here for. I’m delighted.”
The Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby Meeting takes place from 20-23 June at Hickstead in West Sussex. With international showjumping classes alongside national competition, showing championships and scurry driving, it is one of the biggest shows in Great Britain.
For full results or further information on tickets and what's on visit www.hickstead.co.uk
Image: Spidge Photography
