Hickstead’s most iconic class has secure future thanks to Al Shira’aa

Al Shira’aa, the title sponsor of the Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby Meeting, has signed a new sponsorship deal until 2022.

The UAE-based company took over sponsorship of the famous Hickstead Derby in 2017, and after two very successful seasons they have agreed to extend the agreement until at least 2022.

The Al Shira’aa Derby is the highlight of the four-day Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby Meeting (20-23 June), and sees horses and riders tackle an iconic course of fences including the tricky Devil’s Dyke and the 10ft 6in Derby Bank.

The company has also signed an agreement to sponsor a number of Hickstead’s other classes, including the British Five Year Old and British Six Year Old Championships for young horses, both with a prize fund of £3,000, plus the Under 25 Masters, which is a prestigious annual young rider championship held on the Saturday of the Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby Meeting.

Al Shira’aa has always been passionate about promoting good horsemanship and equestrian sport, both within the United Arab Emirates and around the world. They support all levels of the sport from grassroots upwards, which is why these new classes are of particular importance to them.

“We are delighted that the partnership between Hickstead and Al Shira’aa is set to continue – their support has been invaluable to us, and we’re extremely grateful that they have increased their agreement to cover several of our young horse championships as well as the Al Shira’aa Under 25 Masters,” said Hickstead Director Lizzie Bunn.

An Al Shira'aa representative, adds: "The sponsorship of these classes reflect our values at Al Shira’aa, of supporting riders from the junior to senior levels, as well as our commitment to horsemanship and dedication to the development of young horses. The partnership between Hickstead and Al Shira’aa is of great importance to us with regards to our global reach in the equestrian world. With our shared passion for heritage and prestige, coupled with the dedication to celebrate the greatest talent in equestrian sport, the years ahead look set to be very exciting for this continued partnership." 

Tickets are on sale now from www.hickstead.co.uk