SAYERS COMMON, ENGLAND - JULY 26: William Funnell of Great Britain ridding Cortaflex Mondriaan going over the water jump during the Longines King George V Gold Cup at the Longines International Horse Show at Hickstead on July 26, 2009 in Sayers Common, England. (Photo by Phil Cole/Getty Images)
Following the news that William Funnell’s great showjumping partner Mondriaan had been put down at the grand age of 25, H&H’s showjumping editor revisits some of her favourite moments of this outstanding bay gelding’s career.
Since William teamed up with a then five-year-old ‘Danny’, until his emotional retirement in the International Arena at Hickstead in 2011, the tremendous pair thrilled the nation and accrued a huge legion of fans along the way.
1. Winning the Foxhunter
In 2001, at the age of seven, Mondriaan grabbed the headlines by winning the prestigious Foxhunter final at Horse of the Year Show — pictured receiving the trophy from then Horse & Hound editor, Arnold Garvey.
William Funnell Mondriaan winning in 2001
(Image credit: Trevor Meeks)
2. Lifting the Aga Khan Trophy
There is no prouder moment than representing your country — combine that with lifting the much coveted Aga Khan Trophy for winning the Nations Cup at Dublin Horse Show and you can see why William and Michael Whitaker (Portofino 63) are so happy.
Great Britain's William Funnel (left) on Cortaflex Mondriaan, and Michael Whitaker on Portofino 63, hold up Aga Khan Challenge Trophy.
(Image credit: PA Archive/PA Images)
3. One of the greatest ever Derby horses
The Julie Slade-owned Mondriaan became known as something of a Derby specialist, seemingly unfazed by everything the Hickstead track could throw at him. He finished third in his first attempt at the class in 2003 and, but for a hampered preparation due to colic in 2010, he could well have landed a fourth. Mondriaan also won the Derby at Eindhoven and Falsterbo.
080629_1201.CR2Lap of Honour by the 2008 DFS Derby Winner. Making ideal preparation for the Olympics, Great Britain team member William Funnel riding Cortaflex Mondriaan is the winner of The DFS Derby, Class 178, at the 2008 British Jumping Derby Meeting held at the All England Jumping Course, Hickstead, Surrey, England on 26-29 June.
(Image credit: Peter Blackman Photography)
4. Making it a hat-trick
After lifting the Boomerang Trophy in 2006 and 2008, William and the then named Cortaflex Mondriaan returned in 2009 to jump clear from last draw and make it a phenomenal hat-trick — joining a select band of horses to have won the class three times. The third triumph was a particularly poignant one as it came shortly after the death of Hickstead founder Douglas Bunn. “It was almost like it was destiny for me to win that day,” said William.
HICKSTEAD, UNITED KINGDOM - JUNE 28: William Funnell riding Mondriaan jumps clear on their way to winning The DFS Derby during The British Jumping Derby Meeting at Hickstead, The All England Jumping Course on June 28, 2009 in Hickstead, United Kingdom. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Continued below…
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In 2011 we all shed a tear when William took the saddle off Mondriaan for one last time in the International Arena at Hickstead, the scene of some of his greatest triumphs. The pair were met with a standing ovation as they left the ring for one last time. Mondriaan spent the latter years of his retirement as a very happy hacker and hunter with Denise Stamp, one of William’s greatest supporters. We will certainly miss you, Mondriaan.
William Funnell and Cortaflex Mondriaan retire from competition
(Image credit: TREVOR MEEKS)
Read William Funnell’s tribute to this great horse in this week’s magazine (Thursday 19 September), plus all the latest news, reports and exclusive features…
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Jennifer is passionate at showjumping and her role as H&H’s showjumping editor has taken her around the world reporting from shows and interviewing riders, connections and those involved behind the scenes. Since joining H&H from BBC Sport in 2005, she has written on every subject across the equestrian sphere — from turnout rugs to stable management — and has interviewed gold medallists, world champions and winners galore. She also has first-hand experience of working in the equestrian industry as a riding instructor and yard manager.
