From One Hickstead Derby Legend To Another Setting A New Record

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Last summer William Funnell set a new Hickstead Derby record when he lifted the Boomerang Trophy for a fifth time – making him the only rider in history to have won the class five times.

Previously William had been the joint record holder alongside four other showjumping greats: brothers John and Michael Whitaker; Harvey Smith, and Irish showjumping legend Eddie Macken.

Eddie was the first rider to achieve four Hickstead Derby wins, and he remains the only rider to ever win four years in a row, with all his victories coming courtesy of the same horse – the great Boomerang. After their fourth consecutive win in 1979, a new trophy was created depicting Eddie and Boomerang descending the Hickstead Bank, which has been presented to the winning rider ever since.

It is apt that Funnell has now lifted this trophy more than anyone else, as it was watching Eddie Macken in the Derby that originally inspired a teenaged William to become a showjumper.

“I was here when Eddie won on Boomerang for a fourth time in really wet, muddy conditions, and I remember thinking how unbelievable that was,” said William. “It really inspired me to want to be a showjumper and to one day jump the Derby.”

Recently, Eddie Macken sat down with Chloe Breen, daughter of Hickstead founder Douglas Bunn, for a video interview about his Hickstead memories. Although his record of four wins in a row will continue to stand, Eddie was quick to pay credit to William’s new record total of five wins.

“William has won five Derby titles now, and I'm delighted – he's a good friend of mine, and great guy,” said Eddie. “He bookmarks the class in his calendar every year and always gives it his best shot, and I think he prepares and sets his horses up for it really well, so there’s no better guy to do it.”

As well as Eddie’s remarkable Derby record, he had an incredible showjumping career including winning countless Grands Prix and Nations Cups, and he was top of the world rankings for three years running. His riding career spanned 50 years, with Eddie only stepping back from competing in 2018 at the age of 69.

Since then Eddie has had an extremely successful career as a coach in Canada and the USA, though recently he has made the decision to fully retire. “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it, and still loved the horses and the coaching, but the traveling and time away from home sort of got to me,” Eddie explained.

“I am enjoying my retirement, and we have a lovely place where we live near Whistler. Anybody who has a career in showjumping knows they have to give up a lot. Riders live on the road, and we miss out an awful lot of time with our family, and obviously our families have to be very tolerant to put up with it. Hopefully I'm going to be able to make up somewhat for all that lost time, and I love spending time with my six grandkids.”

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Linda Andrews - Editorial Assistant, Nuse Online
May 28, 2024
2 min read

A family-run independent pet shop has opened in Aberdeen after the business owner accessed expert support and signposting to funding from Business Gateway.

Based in Haudagain Retail Park, Pets & Care offers a wide variety of live animals, pet supplies and services, ranging from food and treats to toys and grooming products. The shop also offers a range of natural food and treats, including raw products. Its team of staff are experienced pet care experts and are all on hand to help answer any questions for first-time pet owners or seasoned professionals.

The shop, which officially opened in November, is owned by husband-and-wife team, Otto and Agnes Varga. Originally from Hungary, Otto and Agnes moved to Scotland over 9 years ago.

With over 20 years of experience in charge of pet stores in Hungary, and as a former employee of the UK’s leading pet care business, Otto spotted a gap in the market to open his own shop in Aberdeen and approached Business Gateway for support.

Otto and Agnes accessed a suite of Business Gateway’s start-up services, including one-to-one support from a dedicated business adviser, as well as advice on their business plan, marketing, and HR. The couple also received advice on managing financial projections and cashflow.

Business Gateway was also able to signpost the duo to funding from ABZ Works, which was essential to help purchase the necessary equipment to open their shop to the public.

Looking to the future, the couple now have plans to increase the number of live animals they have for sale and are looking to incorporate the sale of fish.

Otto Varga, Owner, Pets & Care Ltd, said:

“It was always my dream to open my own pet store. We spotted a gap in the market after noticing a real lack of independently owned pet shops in Aberdeen. I wanted to give customers a one-stop-shop experience in Aberdeen where they can purchase all of their accessories, toys and food."

“Although I have lots of experience in the sector, I had never run my own business, so the support I’ve received from Business Gateway has been invaluable. I can’t thank our adviser enough.”

Keith Smith, Business Gateway adviser, said:

“I met with Otto before Pets & Care opened to discuss his business plan and have kept in regular contact with him over the last six months. It’s been really rewarding for me to see his business idea become a reality."

“I look forward to continuing to work together in the months ahead as the business begins providing new lines of products.”

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From One Hickstead Derby Legend To Another Setting A New Record

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