Posted: 25th February 2015 | Back to news feed
The Equestrian.com Hickstead Derby Meeting has been
recognised at the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) Business Awards,
taking the honours in the ‘Caldene Competition Equestrian Event of the Year’
category.
Some of Britain’s most popular equestrian events were on the shortlist for the
award, but Hickstead’s June fixture took the overall honours, with the Horse of
the Year Show finishing runner-up. The award acknowledges the event that, as
BETA states, ‘best works with its exhibitors and takes their requirements and
views fully into consideration’.
The award was decided by a judging panel and an online vote from visitors and
retailers: “The organising team are spot on – nothing is ever too much
trouble,” was their verdict on Hickstead, according to the official BETA press
release.
An estimated 40,500 spectators attended the Equestrian.com Hickstead Derby
Meeting last year, while the ever-growing Charles Owen Shopping Village
featured nearly 200 shops and stands.
“The Derby is our most famous class so we’re delighted that the Equestrian.com
Hickstead Derby Meeting has been given this award,” says Lizzie Bunn, director
of the All England Jumping Course. “Our visitors come to see top-class
showjumping, but Hickstead is becoming equally renowned for its superb shopping
village – and the improvements in this area have definitely helped us increase
our gate numbers.”
The Hickstead Derby was first held in 1961 and quickly established itself as
one of the most iconic and coveted showjumping classes in the world. In 2014,
Equestrian.com took over the title sponsorship, and as well as covering the
substantial prize fund of £115,000, Equestrian.com also set up the Hickstead
Derby Community, a unique members’ club that allows showjumping fans to become
part of the class.
Last year’s victors were Ireland’s Trevor Breen and Adventure De Kannan, a
horse with a phenomenal Hickstead record. As the first one-eyed horse to win
the Hickstead Derby, Adventure De Kannan’s victory made headlines around the
world.
“We are delighted for everyone involved who helped make the Equestrian.com
Hickstead Derby Meeting such a success in 2014,” says Equestrian.com CEO, Lorraine Meadowcroft.
“These events only happen with hard work, passion and dedication, and with
visitor figures up by 30% there is no doubt the teamwork involved made the
event a ‘not to be missed’ occasion. We are now looking forward to this
year’s meeting and continuing to showcase this very special event in the summer
social calendar.”
This is the second time Hickstead has been recognised in a matter of months,
following the news that the showground’s other international fixture, the
Longines Royal International Horse Show, won the award for ‘Best Showjumping
Event of the Year 2014’ by the international publication L'Année Hippique.
This year’s Equestrian.com Hickstead Derby Meeting runs from 25-28 June 2015.
As well as the grand finale, the Equestrian.com Derby itself, the show features
international showjumping classes such as the Bunn Leisure Speed Derby, and a
new world ranking class for 2015, the Bunn Leisure Derby Trophy. There is also
scurry driving, carriage driving and showing classes, plus the special
Celebrity Polo Derby, held on the Saturday night.
Tickets are on sale now and are available from http://hickstead.com
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