THE FIRST SA DERBY WINNERS

ERNIE HAYWARD AND BEAUHEIRA

Ernie Hayward began riding at the age of six. He used to ride his bike for 12km to reach the stables, which were situated where Sandton City is found today. Ernie had a very successful showjumping career in South Africa before moving overseas. He and his wife Denise left South Africa in June 1959 with just seven pounds in their pockets. Ernie won the Open Jumping event on his first ever showjumping performance in the UK. This was the first of many impressive wins in England.

After this, Ernie and Denise travelled to Ireland and Belgium, where he successfully competed on his horse Easter Parade. As their trip ended, they sold Easter Parade for 2,500 pounds and returned to Cape Town in October 1959.

The first Derby was held in 1965, and not long before the event, Ernie was approached by Mr Peterson, who owned the 21-year-old horse Beauheira. He asked Ernie if he would like to compete the mare in the Derby event. Even though Ernie only practised with Beauheira a couple of times, he agreed to give the Derby a go.

Beauheira turned out to be quite a tricky horse to ride, but her ability and bravery, along with Ernie’s talent, created the unbelievable partnership that won the first ever Derby in 1965.