Ellen Whitaker, looking ever the glamour queen in her Caldene riding jacket, took the Bunn Leisure Speed Derby title for the second time after a problem-free round on Henri De Herne at Hickstead last week.

The pair last won the title in 2007, and, despite the stifling heat and strong opposition, managed to reclaim it this year.

Speaking of her win, Ellen said, "I thought I would be beaten because I was so early to go. I was convinced Shane Breen or Damien Griffin [the eventual runner up] would catch me."

Her mount, Herni de Herne, is owned by Ellen's father, Steven, and has competed in the class on six previous occasions.

Out of the other competitors in Ellen's class, 13 riders faulted, making Damien Griffin and his mount, Lyssengan Clover Diamond, runners-up with their clear round.

Ellen's uncle, Michael Whitaker, shared first place in the Falcon Equine Feeds Derby trophy with Belgian Guido Hornesch and Concorde.

When asked about his shared win, Michael Whitaker said, "I couldn't work it out as I finished – I was seeing the same time on the board and thought I was seeing double."

With the Longines Royal International fast approaching, no doubt we will see more of Ellen and her Caldene riding jacket and Charles Owen Ayr taking part in a victory gallop.