A HARTLEY Wintney rider has won a prestigious showing championship at the Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby.

Southerly Roberts crowned a winning day after facing strong competition from the likes of renowned show producer Katie Jerram to claim the Retraining Tattersalls Thoroughbred Show Series Championship titles in Hickstead’s famous international arena.

The victory came courtesy of eight-year-old bay gelding Imperial Ruby, who raced seven times on the flat under trainers Mick Channon and Joe Tuite.

Since retiring from racing, the horse has accrued a number of placings and qualifications across various disciplines from dressage to showing, showjumping, side saddle and eventing.

Southerly said: “I rode him in the Side Saddle here last year – he just does everything.”

She added: “It feels so weird to win – I actually thought I’d been called in sixth or reserve, so it was actually a bit of a shock and delayed response.”