For the first time ever, the first drawn rider in the Hickstead Derby went on to win the class. Scoring what was the biggest success of his career to date, Paul Beecher could not contain his delight at winning the Carpetright Derby; something he has 'dreamed about since I was a little kid watching on television'.
The Great British Beer Festival, 7th-11th August 2012 organised by CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, is back - with the event returning to its old home of Olympia, London, after a 5 year stint at Earls Court. The Festival is the biggest of its kind in the UK. Last year, over 60,000 people flocked to Earls Court for the event over the 5 days.
Ben Maher - one of the likely members of the British Olympic showjumping team - proved his supremacy today when winning the LED Sports Europe Hickstead Master's Challenge on a borrowed ride. The Herts-based 28-year-old rode Parvati De Breve for the first time a few days earlier, but Ben steered the mare round the course in faultless fashion to win in a time of 45.97sec.
The organisers of the International Chocolate Awards are proud to announce the winners of the European Semi Final round, which received over 260 entries. These prestigious awards give out just one Gold in each category and a number of silvers to the winning products, which have been through three rigorous rounds of judging, first in Sussex and then at The Marriott Hotel, County Hall in London.
Douglas Bunn (1928-2009) was the founder of the All England Jumping Course, and one of the biggest innovators in the sport of showjumping. Now a memorial sculpture featuring Douglas on his most famous horse is going to be unveiled during the Hickstead Derby meeting. The sculpture - in the form of a 'relief' - has been created by famous artist Philip Blacker, who is a friend of the Bunn family. It is the first time Philip has worked with this type of art form, which is somewhat apt for a tribute to Douglas Bunn, one of equestrianism's great pioneers.
Cats Protection Bridgend Adoption Centre are holding a world record attempt for the largest gathering of people dressed as cats and hosting a Moggytastic costume show for the best dressed cat about town. The current record stands at 800 people so they are looking to smash this number and claim a new world record. The event is to take place on 30th June 2012 from 12.30 pm at Bridgend Town Centre, Adare Street, Bridgend, CF31 1ET
