Hickstead high for Team Ireland

What a Hickstead it turned out to be for RED MILLS riders with an amazing 48 top ten placings throughout the Royal International Horse Show.

As the rain came down for the first time in weeks, Ireland claimed victory in the Longines FEI Nations Cup ahead of Great Britain to move them up to third place in the league table and guaranteeing them a place in the 2018 Nations Cup World Final in Barcelona.

Several RED MILLS and Foran Equine riders were selected to compete for their countries including Trevor Breen (IRE), Michael Duffy (IRE), Holly Smith (GB), Scott Brash (GB), Amanda Derbyshire (GB) and Marlon Modolo Zanotelli (Brazil).

It was a close-run affair that went to three rounds, with RED MILLS rider Holly Smith and Hearts Destiny selected to jump off for Team GB against Ireland’s Anthony Condon and SFS Aristio. With less than two seconds in it, Condon just pipped Smith to bring home the goods for Ireland.

The results flew in thick and fast from day one with Kirsty Aird claiming top spot in The Old Lodge 1.30m on Tuesday with Jumping Mac Flash. Wednesday saw a podium spot for Trevor Breen and Franklin I in The Champagne Cave Winter Grades B & C Championship.

Thursday, which proved to be one of the hottest days of the year, saw ten top ten placings in the main arena for Laura Kraut, Shane Breen, Jake Saywell, Joe Clayton, Trevor Breen and Holly Smith. Not to be outdone, Elizabeth Power flew the flag for the eventers finishing third in The MS Eventers Challenge with Doonaveeragh O One.

It was a RED MILLS 1, 2, 3 on the Friday with Joe Clayton claiming the win in The Bunn Leisure International Stakes aboard Carolus K DHI,closely followed by Trevor Breen and Noble Warrior in second whilst Holly Smith and Fruselli took third spot. The schedule had a switch around this year with The Longines BHS King George V Gold Cup moving to the Friday. Amanda Derbyshire and Roulette BH finished on the podium in third with Marlon Modolo Zanotelli and Sivene De La Motte also placing in fifth.

Saturday saw two international class wins as Laura Kraut and Nouvelle took top spot in The Bunn Leisure Salver with Marlon Modolo Zanotelli and Isabeau De Laubry finishing third. Later Shane Breen took home first place in The Bunn Leisure British Speed Classic with Can Ya Makan.

The Old Lodge International 7 & 8 Year Old Championship saw four of the top five places going to RED MILLS riders on the Sunday with Laura Kraut and Greatfull first, Scott Brash and Hello Franklin second, Trevor Breen and Zilton SL Z third and Joe Clayton and Dewpoint Diamond fifth.

There were numerous placings in the National classes throughout the week too. David Simpson claimed placings with five rides, Kirsty Aird with her up and coming jumper Breckenridge II, Jake Saywell and Lacondra VD Roshoeve plus several for Shane Breen, Trevor Breen and Laura Kraut!

Huge congratulations to all riders!