IRISH-bred horses dominated the thrilling €24,000 Hickstead Speed Derby with Silver Lift (ISH) taking the winner’s trophy when ridden by Britain’s Harriet Nuttall (26), who also took second place with Highland Cruiser II (ISH) in a drama-filled competition last Saturday.

Guy Williams, who initially placed second, was later disqualified after blood was found on his horse Casper De Muze, while Ireland’s Capt Geoff Curran was also disqualified after pulling Seapatrick up due to a nosebleed and dismounted in the arena. Under strict FEI rules, the presence of any blood on a competing horse means automatic disqualification.