DOING what they truly do best, Irish Sport Horses once more dominated over the natural fences of Hickstead as they filled the first four places in last Sunday’s Derby.

Britain’s Nigel Coupe won the event with the fastest four faults round in the two-way jump-off. He was riding Glovers Hill, by Ricardo Z out of a Clover Hill dam, and this horse was bred by Patrick Lynch in Galway.

Coming back with eight faults in this head-to-head was Hariet Nuttall, who took second for Britain on another Irish horse. Her mount, A Touch Imperius, by Touchdown out of a Cavalier Royale dam, was bred by Leo Rice in Monaghan.

In equal third came Dermott Lennon on Gelvins Touch. Also by Touchdown and out of a Diamond Lad mare, this horse was bred in Roscommon by John McCann.

Joining Dermott in equal third spot was Britain’s Holly Smith on yet another Irish Sport Horse, Quality Old Joker, by OBOS Quality, and bred by Roberta Dowley of Kilkenny out of a Slyguff Joker dam.

All of these horses were produced on the national circuit before finding new owners.