Charles: Vindicat has big future

British Nations Cup star Peter Charles believes he has discovered a future Hickstead Derby winner in Murka's Vindicat W.

And the nine-year-old did little to dispute his rider's theory after landing the Bunn Leisure Derby Trial in stylish fashion on Friday.

"Vindicat was originally owned by Lord and Lady Harris, but they decided to relinquish their half-share and Olga White (Charles' main owner) bought it," Charles said. "He is a very nice horse to ride. He jumped clear in a grand prix in France last week, and he is coming on - he has got a big future."

Charles, 51, last won the trial 10 years ago, and on that occasion he followed it up by capturing the prestigious Derby title - British showjumping's equivalent of the Grand National - two days later.

That will not be the case this year, as Charles feels Vindicat currently lacks sufficient experience to face the rigours of a punishing Derby examination. Vindicat now heads to next month's Falsterbo Nations Cup show in Sweden, but he will leave Hickstead after putting down a high-class marker.

Only five combinations among a 39-strong field went clear - Charles, reigning Derby champion Guy Williams (Softrack Skip Two Ramiro), Shane Breen (Mullaaghdrin Gold Rain), Peter Murphy (Renkum Off-Centre) and Mark Bunting (Beach Boy).

And Charles' jump-off time of 59.75 seconds edged Williams into second spot, with Breen having to settle for third after going quickest but having one fence down.

"I think he is a year away from the Derby. Another year behind him will benefit him, and he is a Derby winner of the future, for sure," added Charles, who collected the £6,500 winner's purse.

Williams ended the day on a winning note by capturing the Hickstead Master's Challenge with Belgian-bred Titus.

The competition, initially against the clock, concluded with combinations having to clear four successive gate fences following the timed section. And Williams came up trumps on both fronts, going clear in 47.18 seconds before clearing the gates and increasing his Friday winnings by £1,500.