Winner. Matt Sampson (GBR) and Un Secreto Z in THE CLIPMYHORSE.TV DERBY TANKARD at The Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby, Hickstead, Sussex. June 18th 2026 ~ MANDATORY Credit Elli Birch/Bootsandhooves – NO UNAUTHORISED USE – 07745 909676
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Hickstead, England – June 18, 2026 – Britain’s Matt Sampson (GBR) and Un Secreto Z took the top spot in today’s ClipMyHorse.TV Derby Tankard CSI 4*, the feature class on the opening day of the Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby Meeting.
Seven of the 31 starters produced clear rounds to go into the jump-off, with Matt making the most of his penultimate draw to go 1.26sec ahead of John Whitaker (GBR) and Equine America Unick du Francport, who finished second.
It was Matt’s first major Hickstead win since his double of victories in the British Speed Derby in 2017 and 2018. The Yorkshire-born rider has recently returned to West Sussex to set up a new yard near the showground, along with his Canadian fiancée Kara Chad.
“I lived down here when I got my first job, working for Duncan and Claire Inglis, and I’ve always loved it here,” he says. “I’ve always been really welcomed at Hickstead, like I’m part of the family. To be this close and to be able to say Hickstead is now our local show is amazing.”
Winner. Matt Sampson (GBR) and Un Secreto Z in THE CLIPMYHORSE.TV DERBY TANKARD at The Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby, Hickstead, Sussex. June 18th 2026 ~ MANDATORY Credit Elli Birch/Bootsandhooves – NO UNAUTHORISED USE – 07745 909676
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Matt describes Un Secreto Z as his ‘best horse at the moment’. “I’ve had him for over a year now, and we’ve been slowly building up to these sort of classes. My plan was to bring him here to get experience in this ring, ready for the Agria Royal International Horse Show, where I’ll be hoping to jump him in the Grand Prix.”
The nine-year-old stallion has really grown in confidence recently. “He’s so talented, but he’s very sensitive, so it’s taken quite a while for him to get confident in the ring. So to come here today and be as comfortable and confident as he was, it feels like he’s ready to take the next step,” adds Matt.
The Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby Meeting runs from the 18-21 June. Tickets are available online, or the event can be watched live on ClipMyHorse.TV.
Final Results – €12,000 ClipMyHorse.TV Derby Tankard
1) Matt Sampson (GBR) & Un Secreto Z – 0 / 0 – 40.89
2) John Whitaker (GBR) & Unick du Francport – 0 / 0 – 42.15
3) Chloe Winchester (GBR) & Casacenta Petra PS – 0 / 0 – 43.20
Source: Press Release from Hickstead Press Office for the All England Jumping Course – Hickstead
Photos: © AEJC – Hickstead / Boots & Hooves Photography / Elli Birch
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