The All England Jumping Course at Hickstead has removed its famous Irish bank, a fixture for nearly 60 years. Officials described the move as the end of an era, citing high rebuild costs and limited use. The bank featured in just two annual classes.
Hickstead executive director Lizzie Bunn announced the removal on April 1, confirming it was not an April Fools' joke. The small bank, separate from the Derby bank, was carefully dismantled after consultations with chief course-designer Kelvin Bywater. Bunn noted it required a complete rebuild at vast expense but was only jumped in the British Speed Derby and the Ashby Underwriting Eventers’ Challenge at the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS). The change offers course-designers more flexibility, including new lines to the open water.Its removal frees up space for a natural-looking hog’s back-style fence in the same position for the Speed Derby, while the rest of the course remains unchanged. Introduced in 1969, the 5ft bank sparked a minor rebellion among riders like David Broome and Harvey Smith, who refused to jump it. Marion Coakes cleared it aboard Daddy’s Girl to win the Ireland Stakes. Late founder Douglas Bunn defended the addition for variety, saying it drew applause when jumped well. Nearly three years ago, Harriet Biddick and Silver Lift completed the treble of planks bridleless after landing from the bank during an attempt at a fourth Speed Derby win. Ella Dalton and Quality Rubies N Diamonds won the class in 2023.Bunn acknowledged some riders and spectators may feel sad but hopes the switch encourages more entries with top speed horses. The British Speed Derby is scheduled for the penultimate day of the Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby Meeting from June 18-21. The Eventers’ Challenge will take place on the Thursday of the RIHS, July 21-26.
