Billington triumphs at Hickstead

Billington was the 23rd of 26 starters in the muddy conditions

Geoff Billington achieved a lifetime's ambition when he pulled off a surprise triumph in the DFS British Jumping Derby at Hickstead.

The former Olympic and world championship stalwart, 52, took victory on Lady Rowallan's grey 10-year-old Cassabachus, earning him £40,000.

Billington was the only one of 26 riders to jump the testing 16-fence course clear, with one time fault.

But that was enough to pip Andrew Mizon and Special Diamond on four faults.

The only rider who could have overtaken Billington was John Whitaker on his second ride, Give Me Remus, but four mistakes ruled them out, giving victory to Billington.

"I blew it last year," he said. "But Cassabachus was fantastic this time. Up until two years ago my best score was about 42 faults."

Mizon, 19 on 6 July and a European bronze medallist last year in Britain's junior team at Athens, is a pupil of Billington and only entered the Derby at his suggestion.