Hickstead has long been a happy hunting ground for Guy Williams, who recorded the first British international victory of the week at the Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby Meeting.

Williams delivered a dazzling round late in the 1.45m Stoner Jewellers’ Vase to cross the finish in 70.57sec, usurping Harriet Biddick and Night Of Glory OL, whose time of 73.68 had looked almost certain to take the win in front of an enthusiastic audience.

“It’s lovely to be back here with the crowds - we’ve missed it a bit,” said Williams, who was raised in Canterbury but is now based in York.

His winning partner was the hugely-experienced 17-year-old Rouge de Ravel, who has been competitive at the upper echelons of the sport. Now, in the latter years of his career, he doesn’t look to be slowing down at all - but part of the secret of his longevity, says Williams, is ensuring he gets to enjoy his job without too much pressure.

“He feels really good - I brought him for a bit of fun,” he said. “It’s nice to jump him in a grass ring, because we’re always on surfaces, and while he’s got a bit of age, he really does enjoy it.

"He really loves his jumping, and so he’s here to have a bit of a play.”

Topping the leaderboard in the Longines International Arena certainly isn’t an unfamiliar feeling for Williams, who added: “I always like to win in here, so I try to bring horses that can do that.”

Though Williams has been laser-focused on his own competitive goals throughout his career, he’s begun to split his time and allegiances - when he’s not in the saddle himself, he’s busy supporting 16-year-old daughter Maisy, who’s following closely in his footsteps as one of Britain’s most exciting talents.

Though Maisy wasn't competing at Hickstead, her father’s entry in Saturday’s Speed Derby, Triomphe Kervec, is actually being prepared for her to ride in the same class next year.