The United Aviation South African Derby 2021

WITH GRAHAM WINN

PHOTOGRAPHY: HILARY O’LEARY

HQ was fortunate enough to catch up with Graham Winn in the wake of the biggest event on the equestrian calendar – the South African Derby. Graham needs no introduction, having previously competed in the Derby himself on his trusty steed OB, and being one of the country’s top eventers and a legendary coach. No surprise then that he was selected to co-commentate, with Aiden Lithgow, on this year’s United Aviation South African Derby on SuperSport. Those who tuned in, whether seasoned equestrians or new showjumping enthusiasts, were captivated by his storytelling, his detailed explanations, and his insights into the competitors and their mounts.

With the event still fresh in mind, here’s a Derby debrief with Graham Winn…

HQ: What is it that makes the South African Derby so special?

Graham: The South African Derby really is a special event on the South African equestrian calendar. It is the only event of its kind. Its traditions and long history continue to capture the imagination, not only of horse lovers but of the general public too.

What makes the event unique is that the course requires high-levels of fitness from both horse and rider. It is a long track with 23 separate efforts over a course of 18 obstacles. It requires enormous physical stamina and mental focus, from both horse and rider. It is also the only track all year that the showjumpers jump that is on undulating ground. We’ve become so spoilt with the magnificent fibre and all-weather surface arenas at the World Cup Qualifiers, that jumping on grass and moving up and down inclines to obstacles is new for most horses and riders.

The Derby course is also presented so differently to a regular track. The obstacles are unique on the South African circuit: the course includes steps, a bank, a dyke, and the table, while other more familiar obstacles are presented in unusual guises. The majority of the distances are big and unrelated, which is also odd to showjumpers.

Then, just to add to the excitement, the Derby had a wonderful new sponsor this year, which made the event extra special. United Aviation really upped the prestige and exposure for the riders.

Gail Foxcroft has won her fair share of Derbies.

HQ: So tell us a bit about the significance of the sponsorship?

Graham: The sport has been in a difficult position with the pandemic, and with the Derby being cancelled last year for only the second time in its history, many thought that it would not happen this year, or that it would happen on a much smaller scale. United Aviation arrived at a crucial time for the sport. They were absolutely committed to making the Derby the best event it could be in the circumstances, despite the lack of spectators, and they over-delivered. Honestly, the atmosphere on the last day of the Derby was spectacular and the recognition the riders and sport achieved is something we have to be so grateful for. Excitingly, as the sponsorship continues next year, more spectators will be able to be part of this amazing event. From this year’s success, the sport will gain real momentum. We have a lot to thank United Aviation for; they have re-ignited an optimism in the sport that we haven’t felt for some time. That’s invaluable.

Lisa and Campbell were the only clear round this year.

HQ: And how did you feel about doing the commentary?

Graham: To be honest, I was nervous! I don’t usually do anything like that, but I did enjoy the whole experience. Aiden is fantastic, and sets you up perfectly. He’s a real pro! He also makes sure that the names are pronounced correctly, which was a big source of anxiety for me going into the event!

Ronnie Healy and his wife's horse Eldo.

HQ: Tell us about the big Derby this year? Lisa and Campbell storming to victory was wonderful to watch, wasn’t it?

Graham: Absolutely! Lisa and Campbell are just a class act. Campbell isn’t a stereotypical ‘Derby horse’, so to see him and Lisa fly around the track as they did was really inspirational. They have a very special partnership. Lisa is a top rider, Campbell is a brilliant horse, and together they make a spectacular team.

HQ: What would you describe as a typical ‘Derby horse’?

Ray Korber, the defending champion, came in tied second place.

Graham: Generally it is not your classical showjumper. You need a brave horse who is keen and loves the challenge. Showjumping breeding today is heavily influenced by the course-designers and what they build. The turns are getting tighter, the cups are getting shallower and the distances are getting shorter in traditional showjumping. So you need an athletic horse that is quick to turn and super-careful. But a Derby track is always different. It is longer, there are bigger distances between the fences, and the fences can be a little sturdier. It is not always your best arena showjumper that wins in a Derby.

HQ: What were your overall observations this year compared to previous years?

Graham: I think the biggest difference this year was actually the fact that a lot of the riders hadn’t thought the event was going to happen so hadn’t trained for it as they normally would. This split the field a bit with some horses getting visibly tired in the last quarter of the track. Normally you’d want to be preparing to jump Derby from months in advance, so with short notice it is hard for riders to get their horses ready.

HQ: How far in advance do riders need to be starting their Derby preparation?

Graham: There are various schools of thought on this. If you ask Barry Taylor this question, he’ll say to start in April to be ready six months later. Other riders might suggest only half that time. Gail Foxcroft might say that the preparation begins when the horse is four years old! It all depends on how you train your horse. Gail can be found jumping banks and hedges with all of her youngsters, and she firmly believes all horses can be Derby horses. Barry has very specific training leading up to the event. Both have won their fair share of Derbies, which just shows how difficult it is to gauge.

HQ: What about the fact that there was just the one clear round this year and no jump-off? What are your thoughts on that?

Graham: I asked Anna-Marie Esslinger how she was building this year and she said that she wanted just one clear round. As she said, the horses weren’t super prepared due to the short notice, so she didn’t want them necessarily to jump a second round. She clearly got her building absolutely perfect because Lisa and Campbell were that one clear round!

Desiree Davidson and her special Le Cadeau.

HQ: And the three tied in second - can you speak a little about them?

Graham: Ronnie Healy, Ray Korber and Desiree Davidson jumped wonderful rounds. They are three top riders. Ronnie was incredibly unlucky not to go clear. He’s one of the best riders in the country and has jumped in both the Hickstead and Hamburg Derbies. His time will definitely come! Ray Korber, the defending champion, is just so calm and focused and such a talent that he will always stand a chance of winning. I honestly don’t think he sees or hears anything else when he is with his horses. You never see him get emotional or lose his focus. He is absolutely consistent. Desiree Davidson’s round was magical. She is so humble, and always deflects praise to Le Cadeau, but she rides beautifully and her hard work is really paying off. She really shows what a bond with a horse can achieve. Le Cadeau is not a typical Derby horse and yet he went around that track with his ears pricked, and loved every minute performing with his rider. These two are going to go a long way together. Her story is wonderful, and she deserves this success completely.

Gail advises preparing your horse for Derby from four years of age! Le Cadeau loved every minute.

HQ: Tell us about your Derby experience? What are you thinking as a rider going around that track?

Le Cadeau loved every minute of the Derby.

Graham: The year I first competed in Derby I only just qualified. I was nervous but jumped a clear on the Sunday and was delighted with OB. Although riders walk the course, and so should know what to expect, the experience of riding it is quite unique. The first few jumps normally allow the nerves to settle and the horse and rider to get into the course, but then the big jumps and the distances really start to take their toll. The jumps begin to feel bigger, and the horses start to get tired. Often at this point you’ll see riders start to get busy, and do too much. They try to hold the horse together or encourage with lots of leg. The rider thinks they are helping, but the horse then loses confidence and starts to ask questions. My feeling, and this is something that Desiree did brilliantly, is that you have to encourage, not demand. It’s a serious test for both horse and rider, and you need to be in it together to stand a chance of getting around. The biggest obstacle at the Derby is actually putting it all together on the day.

HQ: Finally, if you could jump Derby on any horse, alive today or not, who would it be?

Graham: It would have to be Capital Don Cumarco. He was an exceptional Derby horse!