It looked like Robert Whitaker and Evert had the Agria Derby Trial in the bag with their early clear – but then, as the last in the ring, Brazil's Carlos Eduardo Moto Ribas and Trix did it, too! The pair opted to split the win, instead of jumping off, in order to prepare for this Sunday's feature Derby class. In the concluding 1.45m class it was Michael Pender who jumped to victory.
Out of 35 riders, only two of them managed to stay clear. For Robert Whitaker, the KWPN bred horse Evert (v. Amadeus) jumped his heart out in this 1.60m high course. But the second place also comes to credit of Whitaker, as the British rider his father bred Trix (v. Asterix E Z). Rob quips, “My dad bred Trix, and Carlos bought him off us last year, so if it was anyone else, I wouldn’t be so happy!”
Carlos Eduardo Mota Ribas replies, "It’s such a good feeling. He knows this ring, and he loves this ring – he’s already been around here as a seven-year-old, and last year, so he feels at home here. He was awesome today – so thanks, Rob, for the good job!"
Daniel Mc Alinden had a fast round with Keatingstown Z Wellie Two (v. Z Wellie 72) but a fault left them in third place. William Whitaker ended on five, also with a Dutch horse, Flamboyant III (v. Cardento). In front of him finished Will Edwards on SHW Candies B (v. Chacco-Blue).
Michael Pender winst concluding 1.45m
In the evening 1.45m class it was Michael Pender who jumped to victory aboard Marion Hughes' HHS Fortune (Catoki). Pender advanced on Graham Gillespie and Veneno (Chacco-Blue). The stage was completed by Jake Ward and the 9-year-old Jaguar (Harley).
Source: The All England Jumping Course, Hickstead
F©: Boots and Hooves Photograpgy / The All England Jumping Course, Hickstead