The crowd was treated to a cracking jump-off in the ClipMyHorse.TV master’s trophy at the Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby meeting – and it was “one of the best horses in the world” who came out the winner.
It was an emotional victory for Sean Monaghan, as Catherine O’Conner’s Toyger had been out of action with minor issues since October – but what a way to make a comeback.
Clear rounds were a rare commodity at first in the 11-strong jump-off but then they came thick and fast. Abdullah Mohd Al Marri (BBS McGregor) had just snatched the lead from his fellow Al Shira’aa Stables rider Humaid Al Muhairi (Foncetti VD Heffinck) when Sean and the powerhouse 14-year-old came in last to go.
Tight and fast, the big-striding super Catwalk gelding got a super turn to the last line and the perfect shot to the Uffington White Horse vertical, setting them up for a finish three tenths of a second in the lead.
“I knew I had arguably the best horse in the class and was last to go so if everything went right, I could pull it off,” Sean said. “He’s a phenomenal horse and I really enjoyed it; that was proper jumping. That’s my first win here; if I couldn’t win on that horse, I’d never win.”
Sean Monaghan: Toyger feels better than ever
Sean Monaghan bought Toyger from Shane Breen and the pair were on the Irish team that came second at the 2025 Longines League of Nations final.
“This is his first proper show since, so it’s an emotional win,” Sean said. “It was just a few little setbacks but we wanted to make sure he was fine, and he’s feeling better than ever.
It got a bit lonely in the warm-up, but jumping the last fence was a good feeling.”
“But he’s a funny horse,” Sean added. “At home, you’d never think he’s a good horse; he gives a very average feeling, like a weak four-year-old, and he’s the same in the warm-up. Then he goes in the ring and he’s like a lion.
“He’s a bit hard to steer; that’s his only fault, but when he’s right, he’s one of the best horses in the world. He was on Irish teams last year and hopefully will be again; there’s nothing that horse can’t do.”
Speed Derby tip
Sean is in action this afternoon as well, in the British Speed Derby, with Chef Of Flanders Fields Z.
“I’ve never done it before, and neither has the horse, but he’s a very fast horse.” he said. Watch this space…
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