Did an Irish lucky charm give the winning seal for the Equestrian.com Hickstead Derby Winner 2014?

Beaconsfield based Irish rider Trevor Breen, 35, pulled in a triumphant £38,000 win at this years Equestrian.com Hickstead Derby.

Trevor swiped a first place double from last years champion Phillip Miller in an exciting two-way jump off between the pair. Of the 35 starters, 13 combinations either retired or were eliminated. There were no clear rounds this year maintaining only 53 clear rounds in the history of the Derby since its inauguration in 1961.

Trevor riding his 14yr old bay gelding Adventure De Kannan (aka Addy) who lost his eye last year after a long series of complications, completed round one with last years winner Phillip Miller riding his 2013 wining horse Caritiar Z. Both took a fence during the first round but were the only combinations on just 4 faults to go head to head. The jump off was just as exciting as Miller went first and in a great time with one fence down, Breen accepted the offer however, and when he too took a fence, found he had just enough left in the tank to claim the prize.

The emotion shown on Trevor’s face as the reality of the win sunk in was expressed freely to the appreciative crowds; punching the air was followed by affectionate head pats and a big full neck hug as they cantered past the grand stand to a standing ovation.

Before the round, Trevor’s wife Caroline took off her necklace inherited from Breen’s late mother and offered this treasured possession for him to carry with him as his lucky charm. Maybe this was the final touch of luck on a horse and rider combination that missed out last year having to settle for second place.

Not only had this wonder horse had issues with his eye but this year was badly kicked in the warm up area the previous day. Fran, his dedicated groom, spent all night with the latest treatment machinery treating him to mend his wound. Not only was he sound by the late morning but he went on to pull off this amazing feat. “He truly is a Trojan horse” claimed Breen after his win.

The charm was safely back on Caroline’s neck by the presentations which denied Miller a repeat of last year and missing the double title seen only eight times since 1961. His ride Caritiar Z the talented grey gelding slipped into second place by just 200th’s of a second, it really couldn’t have been a more exciting finish.

Speaking with Philip after the presentation, he spoke of the struggle the pair had, Caritiar Z was fully fit and fought all the way round that he almost didn’t want to stop at the top of the bank. The eager gelding was quite confident and he seemed at times to get carried away with the famous event that bought his fame last year, giving Miller not the easiest of rides.

British international show jumper Jay Halim, who had also enjoyed some good results throughout the Derby was one of the many tweeting the news “OMG my two favourites @sjphillipmiller and @trevorbreen1 couldn’t be happier for both of you”. Showing how popular both these finalist are, not only in front of the crowds but behind the scenes too.

‘I can’t explain how much this means,’ Breen added. ‘That horse loves adversity. To come through it all and go out and do that today, he is a true warrior of a horse. No matter whatever you ask him to do, he just gives everything. ‘Everyone was behind me today, all my family are here, so it is a very emotional occasion.’

Champagne will hopefully be flowing for quite a while in the Breen camp. Congratulations to a Trevor for his fabulous win on a fabulous, special and unique horse and well done to all team Breen.

By Julie Badrick