Hickstead, England – July 27, 2019 –  Ireland’s David Simpson (IRL) reclaimed the Science Supplements BHS Queen Elizabeth II Cup CSI 5* yesterday. His first win in the class came in 2016 on Chessy 17, and this time it was Gentleman van het Veldof who carried David to victory, despite the disadvantage of an early draw.

Having netted the first clear of the competition, David and the 13-year-old bay Belgian Warmblood (Quite Easy I x Calido I) were the  first combination to go against the clock in the jump-off. They set a tough time of 41.05 to put pressure on the others, and while Mark Edwards (GBR) and Montreuxs Tale were able to go quicker, a fence down dropped them to fourth place.

Helen Tredwell (GBR) and Larksong (Vangelis-s x Larino) claimed  second backed by a penalty-free jump-off performance in 42.01 seconds.

Will Fletcher (GBR), whose mother Tina won the Queen Elizabeth II Cup three times, completed the podium aboard Persimmon (Salute R P x Indorado) as the only other duo with a double clear, going through the final timers in 42.01 seconds.

Will Simpson (IRL) & Gentleman vh Veldof

For Irishman David, the All England Jumping Course is a home from home – he is based nearby in West Sussex, and was formerly a stable jockey for Hickstead’s Shane Breen (IRL). He has only had the ride on Gentleman VH Veldof for a few weeks.

Winner’s Circle

“He landed on the Monday before the Al Shira’aa Derby show in June, so that was our first show with him. I really, really like him. For such a short period together, we seem to have clicked quite well,” he says. “All the girls absolutely love him, so he must be a bit of a gentleman! For me, he’s absolutely lovely to work with. Michael Whitaker rode him before me, so I went back and watched a couple of videos of him riding him. Obviously I can’t copy him, but it gave me some ideas!”

For full results, please click here.

Source: Press release from Hickstead Press Office for The All England Jumping Course – Hickstead

Photo: © AEJC – Hickstead / Emily Gailey