The Funnells among entries for All England September Tour

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William Funnell, the most successful Hickstead Derby rider of all time, is among the entries for the All England September Tour – the final show of the Hickstead season.

Funnell, who has won a total of five Al Shira’aa Derby titles, is the reigning champion in the All England Grand Prix, the feature 1.40m showjumping class on the final day of the two-week show.

He is entered with his winning ride from 2024, Equine America Billy Picador, in the hope of retaining the trophy he won 12 months ago.

Other notable names competing at the show, which runs from 27-31 August and 3-7 September, include Robert Whitaker, who won this year’s Al Shira’aa Derby and Al Shira'aa King George V Gold Cup, along with fellow Derby winner David Simpson.

Gemma Stevens combines top level eventing with showjumping, and she is also competing in the 1.40m qualifiers at the show. William’s wife Pippa Funnell is also entered with some of her young horses.

Laura Renwick and Sandy McLean were both on fine form at the Al Shira’aa British Young Horse Championships earlier this month, and are hoping to continue their good form at the final fixture of the Hickstead season.

John Crippen, who won last year’s ClipMyHorse.TV Sussex Cup, returns with Bennys Kelly for another tilt at the title.

Other top riders to look out for include Holly Smith, Amy Inglis, Richard Howley, Georgia Tame, William Fletcher, Lucy Townley, Joe Stockdale and Jessica Burke.

The show features a number of young horse championships, culminating in their respective finals in the International Arena, plus national classes from 90cm up to 1.40m.

The All England September Tour also features unaffiliated arena eventing classes on the final Sunday.

Spectators are welcome at this show, and admission and parking is free. There are a select number of tradestands featuring the leading equestrian brands, plus a number of bars, street food stalls and eateries open throughout the event.