Each day between now and the New Year we’re counting down the top 15 most popular videos shared on EN in 2019. The #8 spot goes to “Watch the Youngest Ever Hickstead Derby Winner,” which garnered 5,273 views when it was originally posted on June 24, 2019.
Michael Pender wins the Al Shira'aa Derby 2019
🥇🏆 3 horses in the jump-off and the youngest ever Derby winner rode to victory: Congratulations to Michael Pender & Hearton Du Bois Halleux on this amazing win!! 🏵😱👏 Catch the first round here. #Hickstead Al Shira'aa Stables ▶️ The Al Shira’aa Derby was thrilling right to the end – You can catch up on all the action at https://watch.clipmyhorse.tv/HicksteadDerby2019
Posted by The All England Jumping Course, Hickstead on Sunday, June 23, 2019
There aren’t a lot of obstacles that will make an eventer’s eyes bug out, but the ultra-steep Hickstead Bank is generally one of them. It’s seriously impressive any time a horse and rider descend that monstrosity, but a 19-year-old? Holy smoke. And as a first-time Derby competitor? Wow. Oh, and even more impressive: HE WON.
Ireland’s Michael Pender — just three months shy of his 20th birthday — became the youngest winner of the Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby yesterday. Facing off against Derby veterans Shane Breen and Harriet Nuttall in a jump off, Michael rode Hearton Du Bois Halleux, a 12-year-old Belgian Warmblood stallion, to post the only double clear. Watch their round above!
