Flamboyant III, the 16-year-old gelding known as Banksy, will compete in the Al Shira'aa Hickstead Derby on Sunday with rider William Whitaker. The pair finished runner-up in the previous two editions.
Flamboyant III stands 18 hands high and was bred in the Netherlands. He was purchased as an unbroken three-year-old by Vicky Smith and her son Elliott.
The horse overcame kissing spines through surgery and two years of rehabilitation. He now trains in Devon with hill work to maintain fitness.
William Whitaker takes the ride at Hickstead after Elliott Smith broke his leg in a 2022 trial. The duo has prepared with recent appearances including a sixth place at the Hamburg Derby last month.
Whitaker described the upcoming event as a potential fairytale after two close finishes. The Derby is scheduled for 21 June at Hickstead.
