William Funnell has announced that he will attempt to retain his Al Shira’aa Derby title with Dublon next month and extend his record for most wins in the class. 

The defending champion became the first rider to win the class five times last year and will be hoping he can extend that record when the Derby takes place on Sunday 22 June. 

William’s first victory in the Derby came in 2006 aboard Mondriaan with whom he went on to lift the trophy in 2008 and 2009. His next win, which came courtesy of the homebred Billy Buckingham in 2018, drew him level with Harvey Smith, John and Michael Whitaker and Eddie Macken, all of whom have won the iconic class four times.

Last year, he partnered with Dublon to come out on top in a three-way jump-off with William Whitaker on Flamboyant and Carlos Riba riding Juan Van’t Arkelhof to become the only rider to triumph in the class on five occasions.

“It’s lovely being out on my own and winning it five times, but having won four times was still a dream, to be honest. It would be nice to just to get one more this year to make it really difficult for everyone,” said William.

Dublon in good form

“Dublon did his first show in Abu Dhabi in April, and I’m going to try the Hamburg Derby with him so I’m currently getting him fit and training for that. Then he’ll have a bit of a break, before hopefully having him on top form for Hickstead again.

“There’s pressure every year in some way, I know I’m going into the Derby with a horse capable of winning it, and that’s when you get more nervous about making a mistake as a rider, because you don’t want to let your horse down. In any Derby, you still need a little bit of luck on your side.” 

As well as the Hickstead Derby, The Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby Meeting will also feature the Brilliance Horse Auction Speed Derby and the Agria Derby Trial as well as numerous showing and carriage driving classes.

The show takes place at Hickstead Showground in West Sussex from Thursday 19 – Sunday 22 June. 

Image © Boots and Hooves Photography.

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