Scottish rider Nicole Lockhead Anderson took the top spot in yesterday’s (22 June) ClipMyHorse.TV Derby Tankard at Hickstead with new ride Catino 10.
A total of 27 combinations came forward for the 1.50m world ranking class, with nine riders going into the jump-off. Nicole was last to go, and she shaved 1 second off the leading time, relegating Ireland’s David Simpson 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 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,” she said. “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 today’s (23 June) Agria Derby Trial, and from there possibly a first attempt at the Al Shira’aa Derby.
“We’ll see how it goes,” she added. “I haven’t done the Derby and I’m very excited, it’s an amazing class.”
Nicole narrowly missed out on a double win when finishing second in yesterday’s Stoner Jewellers Vase, riding Chatondo. It was James Whitaker and Just Call Me Henry who took the top prize, finishing more than 1.5 seconds quicker.
Drawn sixth to go out of 46 entries, James managed to put enough pressure on his rivals that none could match his winning time.
“He won the 7 and 8 Year Old class at the Royal International here last year, and so this year, I thought I’d try him in bigger classes and see how he gets on,” James said. “He’s very, very good, but I don’t know how long I’ll be able to keep him, because there are so many people looking for very good horses at the moment!”
Find out how you can top of all the Hickstead action from home here.
Lead image by Elli Birch/Boots and Hooves Photography
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