An international first-timer has scooped the top honours in the Hickstead Derby Trophy.

Sammie Jo Coffin and her own nine-year-old chestnut gelding, Willem De Lux, entered the ring for their jump-off straight after Nick Skelton and Big Star, something even show jumping’s biggest names would find daunting. However, the pair held their nerve to put in a clear round in 42.78 seconds.

The British Jumping Derby Meeting is Sammie Jo’s first ever international show, and having travelled the six hours here from Cornwall, this win has made the journey even more worthwhile. “I was hoping to come here and just have a good week,” she said. “I never imagined anything like this would happen.”

Keith Doyle piloted Walk Tall II into second place in 44.31 seconds and James Hughes took third spot with Peiter VI in a time of 45.06 seconds.