Tipperary native Shane Breen had a successful weekend. On Friday Breen won the Bunn Leisure Derby Trial. This was the ideal preparation ahead of the world famous Hickstead derby on Sunday.

Breen was riding the 12 year-old gelding Can Ya Makan who is owned by Team Z7. On Friday the combination were one of five who made it into the jump-off and went on to produce the fastest time of the day.

Ireland were well represented in the class. Richard Howley riding Notis Me finished fourth and Harold Megahey (Braveheart), Clem McMahon (Pacifico), Elizabeth Power (Doonaveeragh O One) and Athony Condon (Cavalier Rusticana) all finished within the top ten.

Breen’s good form continued in Sunday’s Derby where he had one fence down in the first round. Breen shared third place with Britain’s Harriet Nuttall riding the Irish Sport Horse A Touch Imperious.The competition was tough as only two combinations jumped clear in the opening round. Anthony Condon and Cavalier Rusticana lowered two poles but finished in a very respectable equal sixth place.

Britain’s William Funnell added his name to the list of four-time winners. Riding Billy Buckingham Funnell posted the fasted time in the jump-off against Holly Smith. Ireland’s Eddie Macken and Boomerang remain the only combination to win the derby four years in-a-row.