Mark Edwards and Dillinger NE claimed victory in the 2026 Hickstead Speed Derby on June 20. The pair finished more than four seconds ahead of the field after posting the first clear round of the day.
Mark Edwards guided the 11-year-old Diarado gelding Dillinger NE to a faultless round in 97.43 seconds. The horse had only seen Derby fences for the first time two days earlier in the trial class.
Sammie-Jo Coffin finished second with Big Star of Follyfoot Z in 101.98 seconds. Georgina Ellis took third place aboard Croisiere in 102.23 seconds.
The event marked the first Hickstead Speed Derby without the Irish bank. Riders noted the change made the course easier and potentially faster in future years.
Edwards said the horse took to the fences “like a duck to water.” Both Coffin and Ellis expressed satisfaction with their horses’ performances on the day.
