Fashion model and tv personality Jodie Kidd seized the opportunity to take part in a unique photoshoot at The All England Jumping Ground at Hickstead earlier this week. 

Jodie, who is the goddaughter of Hickstead founder Douglas Bunn, sat at a laid up dining table – which was located in Hickstead’s main arena just in front of its new glass-fronted hospitality suites – while wearing a hat and dress and with a glass of Champagne in her hand. 

Irish showjumper Shane Breen, who won the Al Shira’aa Derby in 2022, proceeded to jump over the table next to where Jodie was sitting on one of his horses in a spectacular photo opportunity.

Encapsulating what Hickstead is all about

“This is just a typical Monday morning!” joked Jodie afterwards. 

“It’s been a really fantastic photoshoot, and I think it really summarises the Hickstead experience – it’s fun, it’s glamorous, there’s world class showjumpers and Champagne – it’s perfect. I grew up showjumping, and it’s my true love.

 “Shane is the most incredible, calm rider, who gets the best tune out of every horse. It was quite a spooky jump, with glasses and candelabra, and me doing my modelling thing at the side, and Shane just pops it like it’s nothing.”

The new VIP Private hospitality boxes are available to book for this year’s Hickstead Derby Meeting, which will take place on 19-22 June, and the Agria Royal International Horse Show, which will be held from 22-27 July.

Sponsorship boost

Hickstead recently announced that Al Shira’aa has extended its sponsorship of the Hickstead Derby Meeting by a further five years and has also become the new sponsor of the King George V Gold Cup as well as the British Young Horse Championships.

Last week, the All England Jumping Ground at Hickstead unveiled a huge new stabling complex which has been built by stabling experts Cheval Liberté as part of a £2million upgrade project.

The new complex includes 204 new stables housed within six barns, new hard standing areas, wash down bays, as well as new shower and toilet facilities for the riders. Click here for a video tour of the facilities.

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