Hertfordshire-based Phillip Miller won the 53rd Hickstead Derby on Caritiar Z.
The 36-year old produced the sole clear on the 13-year-old grey gelding, with the later drawn Trevor Breen (Adventure De Kannan) and William Funnell (Dorada) having to settle for second place with four faults apiece, both knocking down the open ditch, near to the end of the course.
Last to go Tina Fletcher looked to be having a super round on Promised Land, the exuberant winner of the class in 2011, but the gelding stumbled slightly at the bottom of the bank and unseated his rider, meaning Phillip took home the £36,630 first prize.
“I never thought I’d be leaving Hickstead this week as the winner of the Derby,” said a delighted Phillip. “It’s an amazing achievement and it’s the one everyone wants to win.”
