Show jumping: Luckett at the double

Geoff Luckett is the rider in form at Hickstead, having landed his second major win in two days. Yesterday he won the Silk Cut Derby Trial on Everest Vantage, writes Mary Gordon Watson. An exciting jump-off was initiated by course specialist Eddie Macken on SAN Sky View. Their clear round in 46.91 seconds was immediately bettered by his fellow Irish rider Jessica Chesney on Diamond Exchange, clear in 45.41. Britain's William Funnell, next in, went faster still in 44.85 but Luckett and Vantage were almost a second quicker, clear again in 43.89. The two remaining riders, Sweden's Maria Backstrom and Germany's Hauke Luther, both faulted while the only other clear in the first round declined to jump off. This was Michael Whitaker on Everest Monsanta, saving the 20-year- old veteran for tomorrow, when they seek a fourth successive victory in the Derby itself.