Hickstead, England – July 27, 2024 – Ireland’s Jessica Burke (IRL) and Express Trend headed an all-female jump-off in the Queen Elizabeth II Cup CSIO 5*, which took place on Ladies’ Day at Hickstead.

This historic trophy used to be an international class open to lady riders only, until a rule change in 2008 saw it change to a national title open to both men and women. Since then, men have dominated, winning 11 of the past 14 renewals.

But in today’s class, lady riders were the only ones to deliver clear first rounds, with five of the 28 starters going through to a jump-off. First to go was Sally Goding (GBR) and the consistent Spring Willow, who set the pace with a clear in 40.51 secongs. Three poles fell for Gemma Ellison (GBR) and Helsinki VDL, before the 2009 winner Laura Renwick (GBR) and Iron Lady van de Kranenburg shaved nearly 2sec off Sally’s time to take the lead.

With an unlucky fence down for Allana Clutterbuck (GBR) and Vykinbay, it paved the way for Jessica Burke (IRL), who shaved 0.83sec off Laura’s time to claim the Queen Elizabeth II Cup for the first time.

“It hasn’t sunk in yet to be honest!” said a delighted Jessica. “When you look back on all the days I spent at home watching Hickstead on the TV, you grow up dreaming of things like this, so to put my name on the trophy is very special.”

Former maths teacher Jessica moved over to the UK from her native Galway five years ago to ride for the Arion Stud in Hampshire. She immediately made an impact in the sport, winning her first international Grand Prix soon after making the move to the UK.  

With Liam Nicholas’ 14-year-old Irish Sports Horse Express Trend, Jessica has gone on to have five-star success and represented Ireland on Nations Cup teams. The pair were also the winners of the LeMieux All England Grand Prix at Hickstead’s September Tour in 2023.

“He is amazing, I don’t really have the words for him. He is the horse of a lifetime for me, he’s changed my life in a lot of ways and taught me some good lessons, so to win this with him is really special,” she added.

Jessica now has her sights set on a new Hickstead ambition – to be selected for the Irish team for the Agria Nations Cup of Great Britain. “I definitely want to jump on the team next year – that’s the next target for sure. It’s an amazing arena and an amazing show,” she said.

Final Results – Queen Elizabeth II Cup

1) Jessica Burke (IRL) & Express Trend – 0 / 0 – 37.80

2) Laura Renwick (GBR) & Iron Lady van de Kranenburg – 0 / 0 – 38.63

3) Sally Godding (GBR) & Spring Willow – 0 / 0 – 40.51

Source: AEJC – Hickstead

Photos: © AEJC – Hickstead / Elli Birch / Boots & Hooves

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