“Hoorah, Mr Shane! We are always delighted when a friend wins a big class, but it’s even more special when it’s a family member! Our brother-in-law Shane Breen just had a storming win in the Bunn Leisure Speed Derby on the unbelievable Magic Fox. A horse that jumps amateur classes, has a heart of gold and is honest as the day is long, Shane only borrows her for a few classes here and there. She’s a yard favourite and Shane says she’s just a dream to ride – she has complete faith in Shane and will do whatever he asks of her, trusting him to see her safe. Hooray! There will be celebrations aplenty in the Bunn household tonight! Now, we’ve just got everything crossed for tomorrow. Editor's note: Watch our interview with Shane and second placed Harriet Nuttall here http://www.horseandcountry.tv/hickstead2011/video.

A Bunn fight over who gets to present

I’m sure from the gloss and glamour that Sky Sports manage to portray, the show looks like a well oiled machine. You wouldn’t have thought that had you just seen Family Bunn all squabbling in the main ring over who would make the presentation. The class is sponsored by our company Bunn Leisure, of which we are all directors. Chloe won in the end (no surprise to anyone who knows any of the women in my family!) and the boys settled for presenting the glasses! Half way through the presentation too we heard some screeching from behind us: “Mummmeee, Dadddeeee!” Darcy Breen, seeing us and her sister Lorna all in the ring was not going to be left out! Squeaks of delight as we lifted her over the presentation gate and into the ring and uncontrollable, over excited giggles when Shane galloped by on his lap of honour. I have to admit I’m still feeling a little bit over-excited myself.

Show jumpers become polo players

Today’s blog has to be a quick one I’m afraid as it’s all hands on deck for tonight’s Falcon Equine Feeds Derby Polo Challenge. One of my favourite nights of the season, some of the top show jumpers in the world take on polo. Now you may think the transition would be effortless, but believe me it is not! It soon becomes apparent that polo needs a different kind of co-ordination entirely! Our very sensitive commentator can often be heard to say how a Whitaker, Funnell or Breen has ‘left’ the ball for his team mate (read: missed!). Pippa Funnell once remarked of husband William’s polo efforts: “The only bit he managed to get right was when he jumped into the ring at the beginning!”

I’ll fill you in on all the details in the morning, but my money’s on Team Breen, because although Shane’s hand/eye co-ordination leaves rather a lot to be desired, younger brother Trevor is a bit of a whizz.

Win tickets!

Stay tuned to hear the behind the scenes scoop on tomorrow’s Derby winner – who will it be? Don’t forget to sign up to our eNewsletter for a chance to win a pair of tickets for the Longines Royal International Horse Show in July. Simply enter the Promo Code BLOG4 at http://www.hickstead.co.uk/general-information/competitions-offers.aspx.”