IRISH riders filled three of the top four places in the £15,000 Al Shira’aa Trophy at the The Al Shira’aa Jumping Championships in Hickstead last Sunday. The show was held in place of the international Hickstead Derby show which was cancelled due to Covid-19.

David Simpson, Jack Ryan and Jessica Burke finish second, third and fourth in the feature class, behind British winner Guy Williams with his Hickstead specialist Rouge de Ravel.

A total of 88 riders came forward for the final day’s Grand Prix, with many of British show jumping’s biggest names among the starters. But they faced a tough challenge in Kelvin Bywater’s course, and in the end almost one-third of the field failed to complete the first round, with the open water proving particularly influential.

Ten combinations did produce clear rounds, ensuring a competitive jump-off against the clock. Williams and his hugely experienced 16-year-old Rouge De Ravel made the most of their later draw to deliver a clear in a time of 42.48 seconds, with the pair taking some daring routes and making the most of the open space of the International arena by keeping up a relentless pace throughout.

Derry’s David Simpson finished second with his top mount Foudre F, owned by himself and Breen Equestrian, to win €3,000, just ahead of Kilkenny’s Jack Ryan with Annemarie Fagan’s 10-year-old Essenar High Hope. Arion Stud-based Galway rider Jessica Burke slotted into fourth place with Louisa Church’s Affrican Affair.

“He jumped really well on the first day, and the plan was to come back and try to win today – so he’s done what we asked him,” said Williams after the win. “He’s a class horse and he’s won all over the world, but he loves it here at Hickstead.”