Peter Charles gains second Hickstead victory

Peter Charles and Murka's Nevada

Peter Charles became the first double international class winner at this year’s Hickstead Derby meeting. After heading yesterday’s Bunn Leisure Derby Trial with Murka’s Vindicat, he took the Falcon Equine Feeds Derby Trophy on Murka’s Nevada (25 June 2011).

Making an impossibly tight turn back to a vertical on Murka’s Nevada, Olga White’s 10-year-old stallion son of Rosire, enabled Peter to gain the advantage over Trevor Breen (Andino Z), the leader at the time. Peter finished three seconds faster than the Irishman and his target couldn’t be matched despite a strong challenge from William Funnell (Billy Angelo), who finished eventual second, towards the end of the jump-off.

Olympic prospects
“Murka’s Nevada is already looking a serious horse,” said Peter. “He jumped his first Nations Cups in La Baule and Rome this year and absolutely murdered the courses.

“I truly believe he could win a medal at next year’s Olympics. Together with Murka’s Pom d’Ami and Murka’s Vindicat, I’ve got three Olympic horses.”

Peter Charles on his lap of honour
with Murka's Nevada

More in the tank
Despite his fast round, Peter was insistent that Murka’s Nevada still has a lot more to offer.

“I no where near had my foot to the metal with him today,” said Peter. “I was just cruising round.”

Peter remains very impressed with the conditions in the refurbished International Arena.

“I can honestly say it’s getting better every time I ride in there,” said Peter. “It may look the same, but it has completely changed. Chalk and cheese compared to what it used to be like. Once the word gets around, it’ll be back to being known as one of the best arenas in the world.”