Hickstead, England – June 22, 2019 – Ireland’s Shane Breen (IRL) came out on top of the  £23,080 Bunn Leisure Derby Trial CSI 4* for the second year in a row – albeit with a different horse.

Twelve months ago Shane took the title with Can Ya Makan, but this year it was Golden Hawk who swept to victory in easy style.

Kelvin Bywater’s (GBR) track took its toll today, with Shane and Graham Gillespie delivering the only clear rounds of 43 starters. When Graham opted not to come back aboard Andretti (Acodetto x Candillo) for the jump-off, Shane merely had to complete the second round to take the win.

Robert Whitaker (GBR) and Major Delacour (Ksar-Sitte x Leopard) were the runners-up as the fastest of the four-faulters in the first round, finishing third due to their time of 101.74 seconds.

“Golden Hawk has loads of experience,” said Shane, who has competed the horse in international Grands Prix and Nations Cup. “This is well within his capabilities, and he really likes this arena. For Graham to give me a free pass to the winners’ enclosure was quite nice of him!”

The Bunn Leisure Derby Trial CSI 4* acts as a qualifier for Sunday’s Al Shira’aa Derby, one of the most famous classes in British showjumping, and both riders have got their sights firmly on this major prize.

“My horse has just done a string of shows, so the aim was just to do a bit of training today and set up nicely for the Al Shira’aa Derby, which I think we’ve done today,” said Graham. “It was hard to give it to Shane, though!”

Shane, who came third in the Derby last year and was runner-up in the Hamburg Derby in May with Can Ya Makan, is among the favourites for this year’s class.

“I think I have two great chances in Can Ya Makan and Golden Hawk, and I’m looking forward to it. Golden Hawk has never done a Derby, but he has all the ability. I think if I get it right, both of them could have a clear round. Of all the years I’ve done this class, this is definitely the biggest chance I’ve ever had, with these two horses. If I don’t win it this year or next year, I might have to give them to my brother!” Shane said of younger sibling Trevor, who won the Hickstead Derby in 2014 and 2015.

For full results, please click here.

Source: Press release Hickstead – All England Jumping Course

Photo: © All England Jumping Course – Hickstead