No sooner had H&C arrived at the Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead this morning, than we were faced by a riveting class combining speed and skill. The Accumulator is always a treat for spectators with its fast pace and a starting list made up of equestrian royalty. The competition consisted of one round against the clock around a course of 1.45m fences. The last fence on the course, the Joker which stands at 1.6m, offered an alternative route to the riders. If it was jumped clear, the rider earned 20 points for that fence. If it was knocked down, the rider had 20 points deducted from his score. 

It was not the Brits' day, with Guy Williams being the highest place at sixth with Djarkta. The Netherlands dominated the top five with riders in second, third and fourth position, but the morning belonged to Saudi Arabia's speed demon Abdullah Al Sharbatly, 28, who won the class with a cool three seconds in hand. After keeping the crowd waiting, he and Lobster won £2,000 for their fast and skilfull round. 

After his win, Abdullah Al Sharbatly spoke to H&C's Jenny Rudall. Watch our video interview below.

Interview with Abdullah Al Sharbatly