BRITAIN’s William Funnell (52) joined an illustrious group of four-time winners when claiming the Al Shira’aa Derby at the world famous Hickstead show grounds last Sunday.

Riding his home-bred 10-year-old gelding Billy Buckingham (by Billy Congo), Funnell was one of two clear rounds over the Derby track and beat Holly Smith in a jump-off to become the fifth rider to win the class four times, having previously clocked up a hat-trick of victories in 2006, 2008 and 2009 with Cortaflex Mondriaan. He joins Harvey Smith, John and Michael Whitaker, and Ireland’s Eddie Macken in the history books.

Last year was the horse’s first time around the Derby and they picked up four faults at the top of the bank, plus a single time fault. “We’ve done a bit of practice to make sure he’d come down the bank. Last year I wondered if I’d wasted a clear round because they don’t come round here very often, so it’s nice to get another one and win it on a home-bred by [William’s championship horse] Billy Congo,” he said afterwards.

Shane Breen and Can Ya Makan finished in joint-third with Britain’s Harriet Nuttall on just four faults a piece. Breen has earlier won Friday’s Bunn Leisure Derby Trial.

Speaking about the Team Z7-owned stallion after Friday’s win, Breen said: “In the beginning, the horse and me didn’t get on so great so Georgia Tame rode him a few times. Dublin was our breakthrough show and he’s been great for me since then.

“This was my first time jumping him in this ring and he was very comfortable in himself. I thought the jump-off would suit him because he can use his length of stride. He’s super quick, nice in his mouth, very soft to ride and he’s got great balance – he’d be some dressage horse.”