Trevor Breen triumphs in thrilling Hickstead Derby

29 June - Trevor Breen of Ireland and his 1-eyed wonder horse Adventure De Kannan today (29 June) won the Equestrian.com Hickstead Derby after a thrilling jump-off.

After an afternoon of non-stop drama with four riders falling off, 10 being eliminated and three opting to retire, it all came down to a mere 0.02sec as Trevor went head-to-head with the 2013 title holder Phillip Miller (Caritiar Z), both having finished on 4 faults in round 1 in a year when clear rounds proved elusive.

First up, Phillip produced a 2nd 4-fault round, just succumbing to a rail in the Devil’s Dyke. But the Irishman followed in hot pursuit and, when the back rail of the privet oxer fell, Trevor and Karen Swann’s “Addy” accelerated home with no further faults – stopping the clock just a fraction quicker to take the famous Boomerang trophy.

“He’s a Trojan of a horse,” said Trevor, who won this at his fourth time of trying with the 14-year-old son of Kannan, who lost an eye last year. “His heart makes him special.”

Phillip Miller was nevertheless delighted to come so close to landing the double with the great grey “Carter”, another 14-year-old. A trio of riders finished equal 3rd on 8 faults – Jade Hooke (A New Era), Harriet Nuttall (A Touch Imperious) and William Whitaker (Glenavadra Brilliant).

For full results, click here.

source: http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/