London calling: Ilford rider wins at Hickstead

Monday 23 June 2025

Thomas Pritchard seized an easy victory in the opening class in Hickstead’s International Arena, the Hickstead Novice 1.10m Championship, riding Princess SW.

For some riders, this class represents the chance to test their own mettle against more experienced competitors; for others, it’s an opportunity to put their young stars of the future to the test.

Thomas’s Princess SW is certainly a shining example of the latter. At just six years old, she’s already won more trophies than many horses twice her age, and 22-year-old Thomas, who’s been producing her for the last two years, rode into the ring today well aware of her ability to take the title.

“She’s a classy mare, and she wins a lot and takes a lot in her stride,” he says of the mare, who was bred in Britain by Sophie Wallace.

The pair won by nearly a second on the clock in the two-phase class – and that speedy performance was the culmination of a perfect storm of circumstances. First, Thomas had already had one educational trip around the class, producing a one-rail round with trailblazer Double M Chacco Bond; second, his round with Princess SW came very near the end of the class, which allowed Thomas the benefit of knowing exactly what he had to do to beat longtime leaders Samantha Oliver and First Coryphee. Finally, and most crucially, when it came time to produce a swift, competitive round, the pressure brought out the best in the young horse.

“She likes going fast and she really likes being dared, so today, all I had to do was dare her,” says Thomas. “We can just go in and go – she knows what she’s here for.”

Thomas, who is originally from Bristol, is settling into an exciting new base in Ilford, London, which he shares with Julian Mincher. Twelve miles from Trafalgar Square might not seem like it would be a rural idyll, but the new space is an oasis of 55 acres of countryside tucked very nearly into the beating heart of the city. From here, Thomas hopes, an exciting future in the sport can blossom, both for himself and for his talented young mare.

Image: Boots and Hooves Photography

Recent News Headlines
	Maldon’s Reine of Riding Laura Renwick Takes Second Hickstead Championship 23/06/2025
	Copthorne rider takes Saturday morning Hickstead spoils 23/06/2025
	Maldon jumping star takes Hickstead title 23/06/2025
	Bristol teen takes Hickstead title 23/06/2025
	Welshman whizzes round to win at Hickstead 23/06/2025
view news archive »