Equestrian.com to sponsor the Hickstead Derby

The All England Jumping Course at Hickstead has announced that Equestrian.com is to sponsor the famous British Jumping Derby.

The Equestrian.com Derby will be held on Sunday, 29th June on the final day of the Equestrian.com Hickstead Derby Meeting (26th to 29th June, 2014), and will boast a total prize fund of £115,000.

As well as taking on the sponsorship of Hickstead's most famous class and becoming title sponsors of the five-day show, Equestrian.com are launching an innovative online community to allow equestrian fans to be part of this unique event.

Members of the Hickstead Derby Community will have access to a range of exclusive benefits and prizes. Showjumping fans can join by purchasing a stylish Hickstead Derby Community polo shirt, exclusively designed by Equestrian.com, which automatically gives them a free Members' badge to the opening day of the Derby meeting and the opportunity to upgrade to a special Community members' hospitality area overlooking the International Arena.

Members will be automatically entered into a host of exclusive, money-can't-buy competitions and offers to help ensure their Derby experience is unforgettable.

Held since 1961, the Hickstead Derby features some of the most iconic fences in showjumping, including the double of water ditches, one of the widest water jumps in the world, the tricky Devil's Dyke and the 10ft 6in drop of the Derby Bank.

"We want as many people as possible to really feel a part of the Hickstead Derby, which is such a fantastic and thrilling event", said Lorraine Meadowcroft of Equestrian.com. "The 2014 Equestrian.com Derby is the people's competition and the community provides a unique opportunity for show jumping enthusiasts to be a part of this legendary event".

The new sponsorship deal coincides with the rebrand of the successful online equestrian retail business, EquestrianClearance.com, which has been expanded to be headed by Equestrian.com, offering its customers a huge range of premium brand clothing, tack and accessories.

After running the class without a title sponsor in 2013, Hickstead Director Lizzie Bunn said: "We are delighted to welcome Equestrian.com on board and to be associated with their brand, and very much hope that the equestrian world will get behind the innovative Hickstead Derby Community and all the benefits it will offer".