Steven Whitaker and Royal Rose won the opening international class of this year's British Derby meeting at Hickstead.
Famous name in the winner's enclosure at Hickstead
Steven Whitaker and Royal Rose won the opening international class of this year's British Derby meeting at Hickstead, while Kent showjumper Jane Annett took the feature class.
Whitaker, father of Ellen Whitaker and brother to Olympic showjumpers John and Michael Whitaker, destroyed a 50-strong field in the Stoner Jewellers Vase, to continue their recent run of success after winning the Roosendaal Grand Prix in Holland last month.
The combination's time of 71.58 seconds proved almost three seconds quicker than Irish runner-up Gerard Clarke on Jakes Dream, while Tracy Priest (Calle) was third and Phillip Spivey (Little John) fourth.
Reigning Derby champion Guy Williams, who will defend his title on Sunday, posted the fastest time (70.67) with Titus, but one fence down meant he finished 17th.
Ireland's Shane Breen, who is based at Hickstead, excelled in the Camardo Speed Derby qualifier by filling first and third places.
Breen claimed an emphatic victory on Magic Fox, winning the class by almost four seconds from Louise Pavitt and Unbelievable Darco, while he also claimed third spot on Mullaghdrin Gold Rain.
Annett glory
Kent showjumper Annett left several Nations Cup stars trailing in her wake as she landed the feature class, showing the form that has seen her move up from 151st to 59th in the British rankings since July 2009.
And she underlined impressive current form by winning the Bunn Leisure Derby Tankard, beating British Nations Cup regulars Michael Whitaker and Tina Fletcher in a five-horse jump-off.
Annett, who has been placed regularly in major Hickstead classes over the years, guided Zidane V to a £1,500 prize by clocking 50.99 seconds following a first round clear.
It meant the highly-rated Sam Hutton had to settle for second on Lancelot TN, with Whitaker and his 2010 Olympia World Cup winner GIG Amai third and Fletcher (Hallo Sailor) fourth.
Nations Cup riders further down the field of 23 included Will Funnell (Kepi d'Elle), Guy Williams (Richi Rich) and Tim Stockdale (Fresh Direct K2).
Annett, from Sevenoaks, recently had some success at three shows in France, and she said: "For once I made some money!
"I have produced the horse (Zidane) from a youngster. I know no other way, because I can't afford to buy them as made horses."
