The Saturday international program of Hickstead came to a close with the CSIO5* 1m45 The Unex Group Speed Classic. James Smith prooved to be the fastest aboard Juno Rose 23.
With the son of Balou du Rouet, Lars Kersten (NED) left the wood untouched and clocked a time of 69.21s. Only local James Smith (GBR) was faster on the Dutch-bred Juno Rose 23, riding the Erdento mare to the finish line in 67.71s flawlessly. Nicole Lockhead Anderson (GBR), in the saddle of Madagascar Dwerse Hagen (Va-Vite), had the fastest time with 65.27s on the clock but a jumping fault that was added earned them third place.
The Dutch horses had a good time in this class with L. Vos-bred KWPN mare Hanne Umonia (Tolan R.) in fourth under Guy Williams (GBR). Their time was 69.96s. William Fletcher (GBR) sent the KWPN stallion Israel, from the breeding of J.G. Kroeze, to fifth place with a time of 70.93s.