Hickstead, West Sussex, England – June 22, 2023 – A total of 27 combinations came forward for the 1.50m world ranking class, with nine riders producing that crucial first round clear to go into the jump-off. Nicole Lockhead Anderson (GBR) was last to go with Catino 10, and she produced a perfectly-timed round to shave over 1 second off the leading time, relegating Ireland’s David Simpson (IRL) and Pjotr Van De Kruishoeve into second place.
“I didn’t actually see anybody go before me, but he’s naturally a very fast horse – he’s so careful and everything planned out perfectly,” said Nicole. “He loves this big arena, and it’s amazing to win here.”
She has only had the ride on the 10-year-old bay Holsteiner gelding (Casall x Quidam de Revel) for a couple of months. “He just gets better and better,” she added. “He’s such a little character. He’s only about 15.2hh but he’s got so much jump and he’s got a heart of a lion.”
Nicole is based in Kent, where she is stable rider for Tom and Jess Williams. “I am very lucky – I have some incredible horses to ride and I’m very grateful. I’ve got lots of nice young ones and I’ve got some really good older ones to jump these sort of classes, which is great.”
Her next stop is Friday’s Agria Derby Trial, and from there possibly a first tilt in the Al Shira’aa Derby. “We’ll see how it goes. I haven’t done the Derby and I’m very excited, it’s an amazing class.”
Lockhead Anderson has been a prolific winner at Hickstead for the past few years – so what’s her secret? “I like going fast! And luckily so do the horses, and it’s nice when it pays off.”
The Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby Meeting takes place from 22-25 June. Tickets are available online or at the gate, and the action will also be shown live on Hickstead.TV and ClipMyHorse.TV.
Final Results – £10,000 Hickstead Derby Tankard CSI 4*
1) Nicole Lockhead Anderson (GBR) & Catino 10 – 0 / 0 – 45.65
2) David Simpson (IRL) & Pjotr Van De Kruishoeve – 0 / 0 – 46.86
3) William Funnell (GBR) & Equine America Billy Picador – 0 / 0 – 47.45
Source: Press Release from Hickstead – The All England Jumping Course (AEJC)
Photo: © Hickstead – AEJC / Elli Birch / Boots and Hooves Photography
Categories: CSI 4*, English, Jumper News Great Britain
