Al Shira’aa Strengthens Support Of Hickstead

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Al Shira’aa, the title sponsor of the Hickstead Derby Meeting, has increased its support of Hickstead with an extensive new sponsorship deal.

The sponsorship agreement for the Al Shira’aa Derby has been extended for another five years, lasting until at least 2029. In addition, Al Shira’aa has become the new sponsor of the historic King George V Gold Cup, held on the final day of the Agria Royal International Horse Show, and have also taken on the title sponsorship of the British Young Horse Championships in August.

Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, founder of Al Shira’aa commented:

“As a historical sponsor of the Hickstead Derby, I am delighted to extend our partnership for a further five years and support the King George V Cup, such an important legacy of British showjumping at the highest level."

“Following on from this is a very important show for British breeders, myself being one, whereby we have a Lanaken qualifier at the Al Shira’aa Hickstead Young Horse Championships. The development of young horses is a great passion of mine, breeding and producing is something I take much pride in as an owner.”

Show Director Lizzie Bunn added:

“We would like to express our gratitude to Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and to the entire team at Al Shira’aa, for their ongoing support of Hickstead. Al Shira’aa is now one of our longest-standing sponsors, and we are delighted that this partnership has been expanded."

"The Sheikha has shown unwavering commitment to the sport and its development over the past decade, culminating in success at both the Paris Olympics and the recent World Cup Final, and we are delighted to be welcoming a team from the UAE to compete in the Nations Cup for the very first time. Sheikha Fatima first became involved at Hickstead as a rider herself, and she is now one of the biggest supporters of equestrian sport in Britain and internationally.”

Al Shira’aa first took on the title sponsorship of the iconic Hickstead Derby as a means of promoting Al Shira’aa Stables and its stallions, encouraging riders to take part in the Al Shira’aa International Horse Show in Abu Dhabi, and developing the sport of showjumping in the UAE. Since the sponsorship began in 2017, there is now an extensive UAE showjumping tour at the beginning of each year, and the country has flourished as a showjumping nation, qualifying for the Olympics for the first time last summer thanks to the dedication of HH Sheikha Fatima over the last decade. Al Shira’aa has also become a major sponsor of a number of other British and international events, including the Hamburg Derby in Germany.

“I remain as committed to the development of international showjumping as ever, as highlighted in our multiple partnerships for 2025 across the globe which include Montefalco, Hamburg, Bolesworth, Munster and Lanaken with other exciting shows on the horizon,” said Sheikha Fatima.

“Supporting youth and the development of our next generation of riders remains at the forefront of my vision – a vision that began over a decade ago. My mission is to bring the sport to the people and I look forward to seeing what we can achieve collectively this year and beyond.”

As well as the new five-year deal for the British Jumping Derby Meeting, Al Shira’aa will now sponsor the King George V Gold Cup, one of the most prestigious classes in British showjumping. This five-star Grand Prix has been won by many of showjumping’s best riders, and it remains a class that all international showjumpers want to win.

The British Young Horse Championships (14-17 August) moved to Hickstead last summer. Now they are returning for a second year and will be run under the title sponsorship of Al Shira’aa, with a prize fund of over £80,000 and UK qualifiers for the prestigious World Breeding Championship for Young Horses in Lanaken in Belgium.

“Al Shira’aa have always championed young horses, having sponsored many of the age classes at our shows,” added Lizzie. “This new deal underlines their support of British Breeding and of the sport of showjumping in the UK.”

Top Photo: William Funnell and Dublon, winners of the Al Shira'aa Derby in 2024

Photo Credit: Boots and Hooves Photography

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Linda Andrews - Editorial Assistant, Nuse Online
Oct 13, 2023
2 min read

Abby Duguid has returned to Loughborough Lightning, with the Club securing the signature of the lock on a new contract ahead of the 2023/24 season.

The 25-year-old Canadian international moves back to Lightning after spending a year back in her homeland playing for Nor’Westers Athletic Association.

Duguid originally joined Loughborough back in 2020, making 25 appearances in her first stint in an African Violet shirt, and is looking forward to making more memories as Lightning take to cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens again this season.

“Being away from Premiership Women’s Rugby only made me realise how much I missed the competition and the chance to better myself among the world’s best,” said Duguid.

“After hearing that Nathan [Smith] would be taking over the programme I had full confidence that I would be challenged to be better every day. I’m most looking forward to seeing this team succeed in many ways and how I can play a role in that success.”

Duguid started her rugby in her home province of Alberta, Canada, working through the local side’s ranks alongside Canada’s national age-groups. The lock featured for Canada Under-20s before earning her first senior cap for the Maple Leafs in 2022 as a replacement against USA.

The Canadian international made the move to the UK from native Edmonton midway through the Covid-19 pandemic, touching down in Loughborough in October 2020. And after a season at Edmonton Pirates, Duguid – whose younger brother Tyler plays for Montpellier in France’s Top 14 – returns to Premiership Women’s Rugby in time for the coming season.

Lightning head coach Nathan Smith said: “Abby is hardworking player that I am looking forward to working with during the season ahead.

“I believe that being in our competitive environment, training and playing with the quality of players we have including so many internationals, she will become a regular in the Canadian international set-up.”

Kacirkova Pens Deal With Lightning After Trial

Meanwhile, Loughborough have also signed former DMP Sharks player Karolina Kacirkova, after the wing impressed during a four-week trial.

Kacirkova joined the Sharks last summer from Hull Ionians, scoring one try in 15 league appearances last term in her first campaign in the top flight.

Duguid and Kacirkova join 23 others in signing for, or recommitting to, Lightning ahead of the upcoming Allianz Premiership Women’s Rugby season.

For the first time this term, Loughborough’s home league matches will be played at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens.

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Al Shira’aa Strengthens Support Of Hickstead

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