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Al Shira’aa Strengthens Support Of Hickstead


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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Stars of the screen, Christine Talbot and Duncan Wood, are preparing to put their walking boots on as they reunite in support of popular Harrogate businessman and close friend David Simister.


The former ITV Calendar presenters will be among those taking part in Harrogate’s first ‘Walk & Talk’ event, which will see the local business community coming together for what promises to be a sponsored walk with a difference.


Organised by the Big Bamboo Agency, and sponsored by luxury and supercar financier Apollo Capital, the ‘Walk & Talk’ is open to all businesses or business professionals and offers the perfect opportunity for either an office team-bonding exercise, a client catch-up, or even a business meeting with a difference.


Starting and finishing at Roosters Brewing Co Taproom on Hornbeam Park, the ‘Walk & Talk’ will take place on Thursday, June 27 with registration taking place at 7am for a 7.30am departure.


There will be three routes available along the Harrogate Ringway based on how far entrants wish to walk, ranging from 10 miles up to 25. The entry cost is a minimum donation of £25, all of which will go to the family of David Simister. David suffered a life-changing stroke in March last year and now requires round-the-clock care.


Having worked closely alongside the Harrogate-based Big Bamboo Agency, providing invaluable PR expertise, the team launched a fundraising campaign at the start of this year to ensure David continues to get the daily care that he requires. The total raised has already reached £1,285.


Both Christine Talbot and Duncan Wood have known and worked alongside David for many years and were keen to step out and put their best feet forward in an effort to raise as much funding as possible.


Christine commented:

“David is not only a well-respected figure of the regional business community, but he is also a dear friend to so many people across the North of Yorkshire and I hope people will come out and show their support for him by signing up for the brilliant ‘Walk & Talk’ event.”

Duncan commented:

“David worked tirelessly for the good of Harrogate and for the people and businesses who were lucky enough to know him and to spend time with him. Now we have the opportunity to do something for him and his family at this difficult time, and I am delighted to be involved.”

CEO of Apollo Capital, Andy King, comments:

“As soon as we heard about the event, we offered our support, and are looking forward to jumping out of the supercars and getting some steps in on the Ringway, raising funds and creating awareness with the business community of Harrogate.”

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