Joe Fernyhough and the home-bred mare Calcourt Countdown claimed victory in the opening international class at the Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby meeting. They topped the Stoner Jewellers Vase speed class ahead of 90 starters.
Fernyhough guided the 10-year-old Westpoint Quickfire mare to the win, finishing ahead of Mark Edwards on Tinkers Touch. Pippa Goddard and PDV Constanza placed third.
The rider described keeping a tight line from fence five onward as the key to success. He noted this marked his first victory at Hickstead, where his father Rowland had previously competed successfully.
Calcourt Countdown has shown strong recent form, including a CSI2* Grand Prix win at Balmoral in May and an Area Trial victory at the South of England this month. Fernyhough credited the mare’s support team for her progress despite earlier challenges with her temperament and strength.
