VICKIE Anderson had much to celebrate last week as she competed in her first Hickstead Speed Derby with her loyal charge Zack.

Zack, who Vickie refers to as her ‘hero’, kept everything in place but picked up some time faults. As Vickie said: “It was just a miscommunication at the planks costing us some time! To say I’m over the moon is a complete understatement. Zack really is one in a million. He was just on fire. Yes, I always thought it would be a class that would suit him, he’s so brave and careful and he loves the big Hickstead ring. We’ve conquered our fears and got around safely for our first attempt, next year I’d love to qualify again and be more competitive. He’s just given me such a fairytale of a story.

“I would mostly like to thank my parents for supporting me and getting me there and my brothers who held the fort at home with dogs and horses and family business that was left behind. Plusvital, Bluegrass, Equijump Ltd and Kitty Shanahan have all been a great support to Team Zack ... and Emer Bermingham for being kind enough to think we warrant space in the paper!

“My aim now is to give Zack a week’s rest in the field and then we will aim for Tatts in July and my young horse is qualified for Cavan six-year-olds in September so I’ll be working on having him ready for that.”

Vickie who is a pro-am rider, worked in the pharmacy sector for nine years and now works in the office of the family haulage business, A Transport Ltd, based in Athy, Co. Kildare. This combination is a great of example of a pro-am rider that has moved up the ranks, taking on the Showjumpers Spring Tour and graduated to the National Grand Prix level.