Dream Realised: Millie Allen speeds to victory at Hickstead

Thursday 24 July 2025

Stockton-on-Tees native Millie Allen, 27, saw a long-held ambition come true when she took the win in the International Arena at the Agria Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead today.

Her win comes in partnership with the aptly-named Quick Diamant HR, who delivered the swiftest clear – a brisk 53.91 seconds – of 47 starters in the Royal International Vase class.

“To get a win in that arena is always a dream, especially for a British rider,” said Millie, whose last victory here came some 15 years ago.

“It’s my first time at the five-star here, which is also a bit of a dream – when I was younger and competing here on ponies, we used to jump little jumps on foot in the garden and pretend we were doing the five-star classes, so it’s nice to come here and win!”

Quick Diamant HR has been part of Millie’s string for two years, and this season, the pair has delivered a succession of smart results.

“She won in La Baule, and she won a lot at the start of the year in Doha, which is really where our partnership clicked together. She’s very consistent, and I’m very lucky to have been able to keep her for this long,” said the rider, who is now based in Belgium with renowned jumping dealer and trainer Karel Cox.

It’s been a good call from Cox to ensure that the talented nine-year-old can enjoy an opportunity to demonstrate her abilities with the rising star rider.

“She loves to go fast and she’s careful, so I did think we had quite a good chance. You never know how it’s going to go on their first time in the main arena, but she loved it in there,” Millie added.

The Agria Royal International Horse Show takes place at Hickstead in West Sussex from 23-27 July. Tickets are available at the gate or from www.hickstead.co.uk. The action will also be shown live on ClipMyHorse.TV.

Image: Boots and Hooves Photography

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