Sam sets his sights on next year's Derby
Friday 25 June 2010
Today (Thursday) was the start of what could be a long journey for 21-years-old Sam Hutton, winner of the international Stoner Jewellers Vase class at Hickstead’s British Jumping Derby Meeting.
He has set his sights on next year’s DFS Derby class for his horse, Olympia III. “Because that is our aim, it is good that she has been able to jump around a good course here today. I thought it would be a good experience for her.”
Sam has been riding for trainer Tony Newbery for seven years and “got into horses” when he was seven by going to riding parties.
In the day’s other international class in the International Arena, The Bunn Leisure Derby Tankard, William Funnell triumphed in a four-horse jump off on Billy Congo. But talking to reporters afterwards he confirmed that his thoughts were very much on Sunday’s £120,000 to the winner DFS Derby.
But although the prize money is hardly something of no consequence, it was obvious that his thoughts were very much on the chance of joining the exclusive “four Derby wins” club.
“Listen. Three wins has been great. But four would be lovely. Even to think about it. It doesn’t seem real.”
William, 44, would be only the second rider to score four wins on the same horse, Cortaflex Mondriaan. The only other rider to do it was the legendary Eddie Macken on Boomerang.
