Teenager defeats his own trainer at Hickstead
Friday 21 June 2019
Nineteen-year-old William Rekert came out on top of a strong class – including his own trainer Guy Williams – to take an early win at Hickstead this week.
His victory in the 1.20, Novice Championship, riding Hot Bluebird, marks the completion of a long-held goal: to win a class in the Longines International Arena.
“She’s jumping really well – she was second and first yesterday, and then second and first again today,” says Rekert, who is based in Canterbury, Kent.
“She likes this show, and it’s my favourite, too. I’ve come here since I was really young, and I just love it – everyone’s here, all my friends who I’ve grown up with, and it’s lovely to ride in the main ring. I’ve been trying to win a class in there for a few years now, and now I’ve done it.”
Seven-year-old Hot Bluebird is a naturally quick horse, with wins in classes at Royal Windsor and Spain’s Sunshine Tour, but Rekert has also learned the art of speed from Guy Williams, with whom he was based for a year.
“I still train with Guy when he’s over here, and he’s brilliant,” says Rekert. “He was riding today as well, but when he could help me, he did. He went just before me, so I watched what he did, and his advice was not to rush. Luckily, I went a bit faster than him – and then in the next class, he said ‘don’t go so mad!’”
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 and furthe information regarding tickets and what's on visit www.hickstead.co.uk
