Latest from Horse & Hound in Michael-whitaker

A Who’s Who of Whitakers: how well do you know the famous family of showjumpers?

Jennifer Donald — Fri, 15 May 2026 10:28:36 +0000

The Whitaker family of showjumpers has been the backbone of the sport for nearly half a century.

The famous sporting dynasty stems from the late Donald Whitaker, a Yorkshire farmer, and his wife Enid Whitaker, a keen horsewoman, and it is through their four sons, John, Michael, Ian and Steven, that the legendary Whitaker showjumping name was made.

Here is a complete Who’s Who of the famous Whitaker family.

The Whitaker family Who’s Who

Family of John Whitaker, married to Clare Whitaker

John Whitaker (born 1955) is the oldest of the four brothers and has been at the top of the sport for five decades, winning 21 championship medals, including with the mighty Milton. He and wife Clare have three children, Louise, Robert and Joanne Whitaker, all of whom compete internationally.

Louise Whitaker

John and Clare’s eldest daughter Louise (born 1980) is now a highly respected producer of young horses, married to Ian Turner with two children, Harvey and Sienna.

Robert Whitaker

John and Clare’s son Robert (born 1983) regularly competes at five-star level showjumping and is a British team rider and Hickstead Derby winner. He and wife Kate have two young daughters, Evie and Millie, both of whom are keen young riders.

Joanne Whitaker

The youngest of John and Clare’s children, Joanne (born 1987) is also a hugely talented rider, producing many top horses in their early years.

The Whitaker family tree (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Family of Steven Whitaker, married to Carole Whitaker

Steven Whitaker (born 1957) also competed in showjumping to international level and now runs an equestrian business with son Joe. He and Carole have four children, Ellen, Joe, Thomas and Donald Whitaker, all of whom are international showjumpers.

Ellen Whitaker

Steven and Carole’s eldest daughter Ellen Whitaker (born 1986) is a very successful international rider and has made her name winning some of the world’s biggest grands prix. She has two sons, Harry and Frankie, with her former partner Antonio Marinas Soto.

Joe Whitaker

Steven and Carole’s second child Joe (born 1988) has also jumped on British teams, as well as riding as a National Hunt jockey. He is married to Fiona and they have four children, Sophia, Stevie Joe, Emily and Bonnie.

Thomas Whitaker

The third of Steven and Carole’s children, Tom Whitaker (born 1990) runs his own business, Tom Whitaker Equestrian, buying, selling and producing horses as well as competing internationally and teaching.

Donald Whitaker

The youngest of Steven and Carole’s four children, Donald Whitaker (born 1992) is named after his grandfather, the late patriarch of the Whitaker clan, and he is making a real name for himself on the international circuit, currently based in Germany with girlfriend German team rider Nicola Pohl.

The Whitaker family celebrate Michael and Melissa’s wedding (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Family of Michael Whitaker, married to Melissa Whitaker

Michael Whitaker (born 1960) is the third son of Enid and Donald, following in the footsteps of his oldest brother John to become one of the greatest showjumpers in the world, winning 15 championship medals and the Hickstead Derby four times. He and Melissa have three children, Jack, Molly and Katy.

Jack Whitaker

Jack Whitaker (born 2001) is one of the brightest young stars in showjumping, having won individual gold at the pony European Championships and he is representing the Whitaker family showjumping dynasty as a regular competitor on the five-star circuit.

Family of Ian Whitaker, married to Alison Whitaker

Although he’s a knowledgeable horseman, Ian is the only brother who followed the farming route rather than becoming a professional showjumper. He and his wife Alison have nevertheless passed on the jumping genes as all three of their sons, William, George and James, are involved in the sport.

William Whitaker

The oldest son of Ian and Alison, William (born 1989) is another member of the Whitaker family to represent Great Britain on showjumping teams, as well as jumping to victory in grands prix and he has won the Hickstead Derby. He is married to Elisabeth Whitaker and they have three children, Isabella, Oliver and Evelyn.

George Whitaker

William’s younger brother George (born 1992) is another successful showjumper from the family competing at both national and international level. He is married to fellow showjumper Michaela Whitaker and the couple run Dallamires Stables together. Their young daughter Gracie May is achieving great success in the show ring.

James Whitaker

The youngest son of Ian and Alison, Jim (born 1997) is a regular winner on the national circuit and Queen’s Cup victor, producing some top class horses from his base in Yorkshire. He married Isabella in 2024.

Then we mustn’t forget international rider Joe Clayton, who is a second cousin of the Whitakers and was based with Michael Whitaker in his early days.

It’s quite some family – no wonder the Whitakers have become showjumping royalty!

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Hickstead Derby legend bids for historic comeback: ‘A fifth one would be nice!’

Jennifer Donald — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 13:30:42 +0000

Eight years after Hickstead Derby legend Michael Whitaker last jumped in the iconic class, the 65-year-old showjumper is bidding to make a historic comeback.

The four-time Hickstead Derby winner will team up with 13-year-old mare D&H Q Paravatti N, who he shares with his 23-year-old son Jack Whitaker, for Friday’s Derby trial, bidding to qualify for the Al Shira’aa Derby itself on Sunday (22 June).

Michael told H&H he only decided to make his welcome return to Hickstead’s International Arena after Jack received the call-up for GCL team duties at the Longines Global Champions Tour in Paris this weekend.

“Jack was originally planning to ride Paravatti in the Hickstead Derby so he’s done quite a bit of work with her in preparation – practising over banks, devil’s dykes and so on – and he said she was pretty good,” said Michael, of the mare who has competed in Hickstead’s CSI5* King George V Gold Cup but never over its unique Derby fences. “So when Jack got the call-up to compete in Paris, I thought I might as well give it a go on Paravatti instead.”

Michael Whitaker, riding Owen Gregory, receives the Boomerang trophy from Mr and Mrs Christopher Cory in 1980. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

A Hickstead Derby five-timer?

For many years, Michael Whitaker reigned alongside his brother John Whitaker, William Funnell, Eddie Macken and Harvey Smith as the only riders to have won the Hickstead Derby four times. But in 2024, William teamed up with Dublon to land the class for a record fifth time. So is Michael bidding to join his former team-mate in the Hickstead record books?

“We’ll see – a fifth one would be nice!” said Michael. “We’ll do the Derby trial and see how that goes first. If everything goes OK, we’ll give it our best shot, that’s the plan anyway.”

Michael last jumped in the Hickstead Derby in 2017 riding Gentlemen VH Veldhof, who is now ridden by his nephew Robert Whitaker and could be one of his chief rivals in this week’s CSI4* classes.

Michael’s previous Derby victories came with Owen Gregory in 1980, followed by a hat-trick on the great Monsanta in 1991-1993. As well as D&H Q Paravatti N, the Olympic, world and European medallist brings Oscar Kan Duresses and new ride Nice Van Baublo, previously ridden by Brazil’s Pedro Veniss, for Hickstead’s CSI4* classes this year.

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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Grand prix track? Too easy! ‘Horse of a lifetime’, who is blind in one eye, proves an out-and-out winner

Jennifer Donald — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 17:22:53 +0000

Wow! As this photo clearly shows, Jennifer Billington’s super scopey “horse of a lifetime” Flipper Darco UK Z is more than capable of jumping bigger courses.

But at Kelsall Hill’s recent Winter Classic in Cheshire, the talented gelding made light work of a highly technical track set by course-builder Raf Suarez to win the £3,000 top prize for the Audevard grand prix.

“We’ve jumped a lot bigger but at every fence you had to be on the ball, you didn’t have time for a breather,” said Jennifer. “They pulled out some spooky jumps, and you couldn’t just canter up to them, every fence you had to decide whether you were riding forward or short.”

The first-round track reflected the generous winner’s purse – twice that of most Winter Classics – and allowed just seven from 42 starters to access the second phase.

The jump-off also posed its challenges, with first out Anthony Condon (LMD Marko) having an uncharacteristic stop at a water tray off a turnback, a fence which second-to-jump Ted Bastian-Mason, making an impressive debut, also lowered.

Ryan Page and BP Ko Jax’s faster four-fault round was strong enough to hold the lead until the final throes, when the last two to jump – Anthony on his second horse Oviedo S and Jennifer – posted quick clears.

Flipper Darco UK Z: “I’ll never find another one like him”

Anthony Condon’s round on the 11-year-old stallion Oviedo S was classy but no match for Jennifer and her huge-striding and prolific 14-year-old Flipper Darco UK Z.

“I don’t think I’ll ever find another one like him,” said Jennifer. “After you’ve sat on him, every other horse feels like it’s not good enough.

“I was originally drawn second-to-last but Michael Whitaker on Oscar Kan Duresses moved up one or two spaces, which left me last to go, which was great. I knew Anthony would be quick enough but I didn’t want to go too crazy.

“The jump-off didn’t really suit my horse as he’s blind in his left eye and most turns were left-handed, so I couldn’t go as fast as I liked, but he has a massive stride and it always gives you options. Where we had to turn wider, we could make it up by taking a stride out.”

The pair also won Friday night’s 1.40m open, delivering exactly the same result as Paul Sims had 12 months earlier, when he won both that class and the grand prix.

“They told me that when I went [into the office] to see them before the grand prix,” said Jennifer, who is based just 30 minutes from Kelsall, near Wrexham. “I didn’t expect the show to go as well but he feels on really good form at the moment.”

A great partnership

Jennifer Billington, 20, has been riding the Flipper D’Elle x Darco gelding for nearly five years, taking over from Olympic rider Holly Smith. He was bred in Kent by Caroline Phillips of Stud UK Euro.

Jennifer and Flipper Darco UK Z represented Great Britain at the young rider European showjumping Championships last year, finishing 12th individually behind team-mate Olli Fletcher, as well as contesting the Nations Cup youth final in Belgium. They finished the year with a third-place finish in the Evoke Under 25 British Championship Final at the London International Horse Show.

“We have a great partnership and I know him so well, he runs off my trust and he’s always preferred to go on a forward stride,” she said. “The young rider European courses were so strong last year and I’d love the chance to go back in my final young rider year.”

You can read the full report from Kelsall Hill’s Winter Classic II in this week’s Horse & Hound, in shops Thursday, 16 January.

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You’re never too old! Meet the top riders still smashing it in their 60s

bethany.stone@futurenet.com (Bethany Stone) — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 07:30:00 +0000

Both young and older horse riders alike could learn plenty from the equestrians who made it to the top – and stay there – well into their 60s.

Even as the world becomes more and more progressive, there are still few truly mixed-sex competitive sports. The fact that all genders compete on equal terms is just one of the many special qualities of horse sport.

Another thing that sets equestrian disciplines apart is the lack of an upper age limit. While many footballers hang up their boots before their 35th birthday, in horse sport you’re truly only as old as you feel. Across the disciplines and levels, from local shows to the very top, older horse riders compete against those who are many years their junior.

In fact, advancing years can be an elite equestrian’s secret weapon. The more horses you ride, hours of training you put in and top competitions you complete, the more experience you gain – giving you the edge at the highest level. If a rider manages to avoid injury, they can remain effective in the saddle over many decades and continue to scoop medals, titles and international appearances well after pensionable age.

Older horse riders still at the top of their game

Whether it’s performing a near-perfect grand prix freestyle or sailing around a five-star track, we’ve picked out some of the world-class older horse riders defying convention and showing no sign of slowing down in their 60s.

1. Juan Antonio Jiménez Cobo, 65

2XNDFXN Versailles, France. 31st July, 2024. Juan Antonio JIMENEZ COBO riding EUCLIDES MOR, Equestrian, Dressage Team and Individual Grand Prix during the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on 31 July 2024 at Chateau de Versailles in Versailles, France - Photo Christophe Bricot/DPPI Media Credit: DPPI Media/Alamy Live News (Image credit: DPPI Media / Alamy Stock Photo)

The dressage rider became the country’s oldest ever Olympian at the Paris 2024 Games. He piloted striking grey Lusitano stallion Euclides MOR.

Born in Castro del Rio, Córdoba, in 1959, Juan Antonio is based in Madrid. His first Olympic appearance for Spain was in 2000 at the Sydney Games, where the dressage team came fifth overall. He represented Spain again in Athens 2004, where they earned the silver team medal.

Fresh off the back of his 2024 Olympic appearance for Spain, Juan Antonio headed to South Africa in early September to compete in the CDI3* at Ermelo with bright bay stallion Quartar. He finished sixth in the grand prix freestyle.

2. Phillip Dutton, 60

Phillip Dutton USA riding Mighty Nice, during the Team Show Jumping Phase of the Eventing Competition at the Olympic Equestrian Centre in Deodoro near Rio, Brazil on 9th August 2016 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Born in 1963 in New South Wales, Australia, Phillip Dutton’s illustrious eventing career has included representing two nations across seven Olympic Games.

He appeared at three Games for Australia, where he helped the eventing team top the podium on two consecutive occasions, in 1996 in Atlanta and in the 2000 home Games.

Phillip became a US citizen in 2006 and earned his first individual bronze medal at Rio 2016 on board Mighty Nice.

Phillip has enjoyed success on the US eventing circuit and has placed in the top 10 at both Burghley and Badminton. He has won once at the top level, taking the 2008 Kentucky Three-Day Event crown with Irish Sports Horse gelding Connaught.

This year, Phillip had two rides at Kentucky. He finished 15th on second ride Azure, while his first ride Quasi Cool fell at the final fence on cross-country day. Phillip later released an update to say the gelding was “resting comfortably in his stall”.

3. Michael Whitaker, 64

2F2N4XF Michael Whitaker riding For Fun during the 2019 Longines Global Champions Tour of Chantilly on July 13, 2019 in Chantilly, France - Photo Christophe Bricot / DPPI (Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

Born in 1960 in Huddersfield, Yorkshire, Michael Whitaker is one of the founding members of the enormously successful Whitaker showjumping dynasty.

He has represented Great Britain in five Olympic Games. He first appeared at the LA Games in 1984, where he helped the showjumping team clinch the silver medal.

Michael’s numerous successes over the decades are too many to name, but include team gold and individual silver medals at the 1989 European Championships in Rotterdam with horse of a lifetime Monsanta. He also came third in the Netherlands World Cup final in 1994 atop Everest Midnight Madness.

In May 2024, Michael piloted Equine America Q Paravatti N – a ride he shares with his son Jack – to victory in the Longines Whitsun Tournament in Wiesbaden, a CSI4* competition.

4. Jill Irving, 61

Degas 12 Jill Irving during the Grand Prix at the FEI World Equestrian Games Tryon 2018 at Tryon International Equestrian Centre, near Tryon North Carolina in the USA between 11th-23rd September 2018 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

The Ontarian was set to make her Olympic debut for Canada with top dressage mount Delacroix 11 this year, but she ended up travelling to Paris as the alternate with chestnut KWPN stallion Genesis.

Born in 1963, Jill began her career on Canada’s hunter jumper circuit before switching to dressage. She made her FEI debut in 2013, aged 50. She helped Canada top the podium at the Pan American Games in Lima in 2019 on Degas 12, a year after her first World Equestrian Games appearance.

In July this year, she competed at Hartpury CDI3* and finished eighth in the grand prix special with Genesis.

5. Rolf Göran-Bengsston, 62

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The showjumper was the oldest in the discipline at Paris 2024. Competing for Sweden with 12-year-old stallion Zuccero HV, he helped earn a qualification for the team final. Sweden went on to finish sixth in the team jumping.

Paris marked Rolf-Göran Bengsston’s sixth Olympic appearance. He has earned a brace of Olympic silvers in his career: one team medal at Athens 2004 and one individual in Hong Kong at the Beijing 2008 Games.

Notable achievements include a spate of top-three placings in the Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) in 2014 and 2015 with Caretino stallion Casall ASK, including wins in Doha, Chantilly, London and Rome. He was the LGCT Champion of Champions bronze medallist in 2015.

6. Andrew Hoy, 65

Andrew Hoy ( AUS) riding Vassily De Lassos during the cross country phase for the Olympic Eventing Competition at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games held at Equestrian Park in Setagaya-ku in Tokyo in Japan between the 23rd July and 8th August 2021 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

A stalwart of the international eventing scene, Aussie rider Andrew Hoy has clocked up an impressive eight Olympic appearances for his country – the most ever for a member of team Australia. His six Olympic medals include three team golds won at back-to-back Games from Barcelona 1992 to Sydney 2000.

In 2006, Andrew came within touching distance of landing the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing. He finished in pole position at Kentucky on Master Monarch and repeated this feat at Badminton atop Moonfleet. At Burghley in the same year, leaders Andrew and Moonfleet could afford to knock one fence in the final phase. Sadly, the combination rolled two poles and so the 2006 title went to fellow Australian Lucinda Fredericks and Headley Britannia.

Andrew missed out on his ninth Olympic appearance at Paris this year, but it doesn’t mark the end of an era for this older horse rider, who said: “This chapter of ‘Paris 2024’ may be closing, but the book isn’t finished. We are excited to see what the future holds for us!”

7. John Whitaker, 69

John Whitaker riding Sharid, winner of THE SIX BAR during The London International Horse Show at ExCel in London between 13-18th December 2023 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

This living legend needs no introduction. Five years older than his brother Michael, John Whitaker has represented Great Britain at six Olympic Games. He has won too many accolades to name, but has earned 24 Olympic, World and European Championship medals to date.

Synonymous with John is his world-famous and beloved mount Milton. The legendary grey gelding was the first showjumper to earn £1m in prize money and had a fan base to rival contemporary film stars in the 1980s and early 90s. The pair’s crowning achievement was double gold at the 1989 Europeans in Rotterdam.

Recent success for John includes a win in the Global Champions League of Madrid in May this year. Along with teammate Gilles Thomas and representing Valkenswaard United, John finished top with gelding Equine America Unick de Francport. While John recently said “holding my own against good young riders” was one of his proudest achievements, everyone knows this older horse rider is not to be under estimated in any type of jumping competition.

8. Mary Hanna, 69

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

This dressage rider is set to celebrate her 70th birthday in December this year. The Australian has represented her country at five WEGs and six Olympics, debuting at Atlanta 1996.

Mary took a break from competition in 2019 to be with her daughter while she recovered from a serious fall. The following year, she became the first Australian rider ever to score above 80% in a grand prix freestyle competition.

She travelled to Paris 2024 with stallion Ivanhoe as team Australia’s dressage alternate. After the competition, she took to Instagram to say: “I thought afterwards I might be announcing my retirement from the sport. However it is quite the opposite. I feel so inspired and motivated by the outstanding performance of everyone involved, that I plan to continue to follow my dreams.”

Have we missed any older horse riders worth of inclusion in this article? Let us know about your favourite older equestrian athlete by email at hhletters@futurenet.com including your name, nearest town and county for the chance to have your thoughts published in a future edition of Horse & Hound magazine

‘Like every kid, I just want to make my dad proud’: Jack Whitaker discusses family, UK shows and opportunities for young riders

Jennifer Donald — Sun, 30 Jun 2024 15:30:16 +0000

At the age of 22, British showjumper Jack Whitaker has long impressed as a rising star of the sport and now regularly competes at five-star level with great success.

Jack is the son of Olympic showjumping medallist Michael Whitaker but, as he reveals on episode 150 of The Horse & Hound Podcast, in partnership with Scoot Boots, there are advantages and pressures of growing up in the famous Whitaker family.

“I was never forced into showjumping but I was always going to sit on a horse – it was just whether I was going to keep going with it or not and I’m happy I did,” says Jack, a former pony European gold medallist.

“But with everything my dad’s done for me, of course I want to make him proud. I want to give that back. I think every kid feels that way about their parents though – I’m just very lucky to have that kind of support behind me. But I want to do well for the whole team at home as well.”

Jack Whitaker: “Put yourself in those high pressure situations”

Jack’s advice for other young riders hoping to make the step up through the senior ranks is to “get as much experience as you can”.

“Do as many pony, junior and young rider Nations Cup type competitions as you can,” he says. “Put yourself in those high pressure situations – I know I put a lot of pressure on myself when I was jumping them, so the more experience you can get from those situations, the better it is for your future.

“It’s hard for me to say because I’m in a very privileged position and got to go to a lot of shows with my father and jump the two-star classes at five-star shows which gave me a massive step up over a lot of other young riders. But there do need to be more opportunities for young riders, a bit more of a system, for those who aren’t necessary able to go and spend time at the big stables for a few months, for example.”

Great showjumping shows on home soil

Jack Whitaker has enjoyed a recent spell at home, enjoying some of the best shows in Great Britain with top horses including Equine America Valmy De La Lande and Equine America Q Paravatti N, and some very exciting youngsters.

“We’re very lucky at home to have such good county shows, plus some really good two- and three-star shows, so it’s been really helpful for me producing some younger horses in recent weeks,” says Jack.

With an exciting summer ahead of him and big goals to dream about, Jack sums up: “Never underestimate this sport – nothing is impossible.”

To hear more about Jack Whitaker’s insight on his top horses, his big moments in the ring and what he looks for in a horse, listen here to episode 150 of The Horse & Hound Podcast – or search for “The Horse & Hound Podcast” in your favourite podcast app.

Senior Whitaker brothers land a win apiece: ‘Something I’ll remember for ever’

Jennifer Donald — Mon, 20 May 2024 10:16:16 +0000

With a combined age of 132, the Whitaker brothers John and Michael proved they were riding better than ever with a win apiece in this week’s international showjumping news round-up.

A stunning grey gelding racked up another top-level success in Madrid and Ronnie Jones with super mare Kaleche were also back in the winner’s enclosure, chased home by a stallion still going strong at the age of 18. Read on for this week’s round-up of international showjumping news and results.

International showjumping news: Whitaker is back to winning ways

It may have been two years since we last saw showjumping legend Michael Whitaker jumping at CSI4* level but he proved why he is still the maestro with a superb victory at the Longines Whitsun Tournament in Wiesbaden.

Reunited with 12-year-old mare Equine America Q Paravatti N, whom Michael’s son Jack Whitaker has also been riding, Michael triumphed in the 1.50m Lotto-Hessen Prize speed class by 0.4sec over local hero Daniel Deusser riding Ellabelle De Rie Z.

“Wiesbaden is a nice traditional tournament, I like it a lot,” said 64-year-old Michael, who first competed at the venue 40 years ago. “My horse felt very good here.”

Wiesbaden results

Not wanting to be outdone by his younger brother…

Michael’s older brother John Whitaker, 68, also earned his place in the winner’s enclosure this weekend, teaming up with Gilles Thomas (Ermitage Kalone) – 42 years John’s junior – to represent Valkenswaard United in the Global Champions League (GCL) of Madrid. This was the squad’s first win since Hamburg in 2022.

John was aboard the brilliant gelding Equine America Unick Du Francport.

“I’m really proud of Gilles today. He didn’t need any help from me, he rode class,” said John. “This win means a lot for the team and really puts us back in the championship race.”

Gilles paid his respects to his esteemed team-mate: “I couldn’t be happier to win, but to win with John is something I will remember for ever. Our team is made up of legends such as Marcus Ehning and Edwina Tops-Alexander, so it is a real privilege to be part of Valkenswaard United.”

GCL Madrid results

Christian Kukuk and Checker 47 win the Longines Global Champions Tour grand prix of Madrid. (Image credit: Longines Global Champions Tour)

“Just go full speed and keep galloping”

Also making showjumping news headlines this week, Germany’s Christian Kukuk risked it all to the final fence riding the brilliant stallion Checker 47 in a thrilling jump-off for the Longines Global Champions Tour of Madrid grand prix. The lightning quick duo won by nearly a second over Maikel van der Vleuten riding Beauville Z NOP, and Gilles Thomas was back on the podium with Ermitage Kalone in third after an eight-way jump-off.

“I came here with a good feeling, it is an unbelievable show with a beautiful arena, it truly is a pleasure to ride here,” said Christian, who picks up a ticket for the end-of-season Super Grand Prix with this win. “I knew the jump-off was going to be fast so I tried everything. I took all the risk to the last, I said to myself ‘Just go full speed’, and I kept galloping home.”

Maikel paid tribute to his rival’s winning performance: “I must say Christian did a great jump-off, he took all the risks; his horse is very quick over the ground, so is my horse Beauville Z NOP, but we just couldn’t catch him today, however, I must say, I am very pleased with my second place.”

LGCT grand prix of Madrid results

International showjumping news: victory for Ronnie Lee Jones and Kaleche

Continuing an impressive run of form, British showjumper Ronnie Lee Jones and the hugely versatile mare Kaleche landed the CSI2* gold tour grand prix sponsored by LeMieux at Wellington Riding, Hampshire. He gained nearly half a second advantage over Joe Clayton with 18-year-old stallion Gentlemen VH Veldhof; Jude Burgess finished third on Oilina.

You can read the full report from CSI2* Wellington in next week’s Horse & Hound magazine.

CSI2* Wellington results

Balmoral success for Derwin and accolades for Fernyhough

At the hugely popular CSI2* Balmoral Show in Northern Ireland, grand prix glory was earned by Francis Derwin riding his own Flexi K, an 11-year-old son of Flex A Bill, bred by the Knightfield Stud. The pair blitzed the time set by runner-up Clem McMahon on the eight-year-old Clonterm Obolensky. Completing a podium full of quality Irish sport horses, third place went to Jonathan Smyth with Mulvin Lui. Joe Fernyhough was best of the Brits in fourth with Calcourt Particle in the grand prix but won the show’s leading international athlete award, as well as being crowned the leading international speed athlete.

Balmoral Horse Show results

‘I’m 68, but I can still do it’: John and Michael Whitaker discuss longevity, mistaken identity and sibling rivalry

Jennifer Donald — Sun, 01 Oct 2023 15:32:41 +0000

Brothers John and Michael Whitaker have spearheaded an incredible era for the sport of showjumping.

They’ve amassed 36 Olympic, world and European medals between them and enjoyed glittering careers that have spanned nearly 50 years – and they’re both still at the very top of their game.

So to celebrate these two legends of the sport, H&H invited the brothers to join us on episode 141 of The Horse & Hound Podcast. We started with a trip down memory lane and the brothers revealed how this incredible journey began and the influence of their parents, Enid and Donald Whitaker, on their riding careers.

Michael’s first pony was a brilliantly named Shetland called Hercules, who used to “run off at high speed if he didn’t want to do something” and the pair teamed up to do the milk round every morning.

“It was a proper old-fashioned milk float and Michael used to go out and catch the pony at 6am and by the time we got the harness on, got the milk which we’d loaded the night before and did the milk round, it was time for school,” recalls John.

They used to hack to shows in the early days – covering many miles to get there.

“We did gymkhanas, handy pony, we just used to do everything. We were both really good at it and we used to earn more money from that than anything else,” says John, who remembers being inspired after staying up late to watch the likes of Alan Oliver showjumping on TV.

“We’d have a plank of wood resting on some bricks, then we’d progress to jumping barrels.”

John and Michael Whitaker in conversation: ‘If I can’t win, I’m very happy if he wins’

So what’s it like competing against your brother?

“We just treat each other like any other competitor – if he’s winning, I’ll try to beat him and if I’m winning, he’ll try to beat me,” says Michael. “But if I can’t win, I’m very happy if he wins. Although at a big class at Olympia or somewhere, if I was winning and John beat me I’d be slightly sick!”

“I think it’s helped us both though,” says John. “If your brother’s in the lead, you think, ‘well, I can beat my brother’. But if one of us isn’t in the jump-off we’ll help with some advice. It’s like that throughout the family I think, even with my own kids. I would always try to beat them, just to show them!”

John and Michael Whitaker are joined by Nick Skelton and Geoff Billington on the British Olympic team (Image credit: creditUnknown)

“But like at the Los Angeles Olympics, working together with your brother on a team, that’s very rewarding,” says Michael.

The brothers are often mistaken for each other.

“I rarely go to a show when someone doesn’t call me John!” says Michael.

At one show, Michael was running late so John once took the reins on one of his brother’s young horses and was in with a chance of winning before someone objected that it might be the wrong Whitaker in the saddle.

“I jumped two rounds before anyone realised I wasn’t Michael!” says John.

‘It rubs off watching good young riders – winning is much tougher now’

On the subject of longevity, John says: “People ask me when I’m going to retire but as long as I’ve got a good horse and I’m capable of having a chance of winning, I’ll keep doing it. I’m 68 but I feel like I can do it, so I’m doing it.”

“It hasn’t been easy, we’ve worked hard for it,” says Michael.

“I’m working harder than ever,” says John. “Finding the next good horse has always been the challenge. Our father instilled in us never to give up and just keep trying. That’s what we’ve done.

“It rubs off watching good young riders. You have to change with the times. Winning is much tougher now, the sport is so professional, there are so many good horses and riders, everywhere you go.

“Another Olympics isn’t out of the question, but I just feel we’ve been there and done that and I’m not sure if I really want to put myself through that kind of pressure again. If I thought I had a really, really good chance of winning it, I would, but I’m not just sure I feel like that at the moment. I can’t see myself doing and Olympics after Paris, anyway – 2028. That might be a bit of a long shot!”

To hear John and Michael Whitaker talking more about the famous Whitaker family, top horses Milton and Monsanta, and riding at the Olympics, tune in to episode 141 of The Horse & Hound Podcast – listen here or search “The Horse & Hound Podcast” in your favourite podcast app.

The Horse & Hound Podcast 141: John & Michael Whitaker

Gemma Redrup — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 05:45:40 +0000

On the 141st episode of The Horse & Hound Podcast, we speak to legendary showjumping brothers John and Michael Whitaker. They talk about their childhood together, pretending to be each other and what keeps them going in showjumping. We hope you will enjoy listening.

Episode 141 of The Horse & Hound Podcast, our popular audio service, is now live.

Each episode is available for H&H fans to listen to via your favourite podcast app, as well as here on the website. Search for “The Horse & Hound Podcast” in your preferred podcast app and click subscribe to be notified about each new episode.

View all episodes of The Horse & Hound Podcast

“We did a milk round together for four or five years with a boy and cart before school” – John Whitaker on growing up with Michael in the early days“I will always ask John for his thoughts if I get a new horse as it’s good to have his feedback” – Michael Whitaker on getting advice from his brother, John

We would love to hear your feedback on all our podcasts, so please do send your thoughts to pippa.roome@futurenet.com

Horse & Hound Podcast: episode 141

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The Horse & Hound Podcast 139: Hickstead Derby winner David Simpson | Keeping horses hydrated

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Michael Whitaker’s Hickstead Derby memories: ‘I nearly had a heart attack when I saw how steep the bank was’

Jennifer Donald — Sun, 25 Jun 2023 07:32:52 +0000

With the return of the iconic Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby fast-approaching (today, Sunday 25 June), we’ve been chatting to some of the competition’s past winners to hear their stand-out memories.

Here is what Michael Whitaker, who won the Hickstead Derby at his first attempt in 1980 riding Owen Gregory, and in 1991, 1992 and 1993 on Mon Santa, had to say…

First Hickstead Derby memory

“We used to watch it all the time in the early days, it was one of the biggest classes in England at that time,” says Michael. “I really remember Harvey Smith sticking his fingers up when he won. After watching it on TV, I couldn’t get there quick enough to ride in it myself.”

First Hickstead Derby experience

“Well I did win it at my first attempt!” says Michael. “But my outstanding memory from that year is walking up the Derby bank for the first time and realising just how steep it was – I nearly had a heart attack! My brother John had ridden in it by this point and we’d talked about how steep it was, but it’s only when you get up there that it hits you.

“I don’t think I practised at all before we went – [my ride] Owen Gregory had already been round a couple of times with his owner’s daughter, Ann, and he’d gone pretty well with her. Owen Gregory [pictured below] was just unbelievable around Hickstead. He must have jumped round at least 10 times and the worst he ever did was two down; he was second two or three times as well as winning. Even the last time I rode him round, he only had one down and he was 20 years old by then.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

“Hickstead Derby horses have to be really brave but very careful at the same time, which is quite a difficult combination to find. What also surprised me jumping round that first time was just how big everything was – the gate and even the double of ditches – and I hadn’t jumped that many big classes at that age [Michael was one of the youngest to win the Hickstead Derby at the age of 20] so it seemed particularly big to me back then. The more you do it, the more you get used to it and you’re not so shocked by it, but the first couple of times I was definitely thinking ‘God, this is big’.

“Winning such a big class at that age did great things for me.”

The times it all went right in the Hickstead Derby

“I think I then rode in it every year until I won on Mon Santa,” says Michael. “He shared the same qualities as Owen Gregory so I had two real belters of horses. I enjoyed riding him round there a lot more than some of the horses I rode after him anyway! But we never used to practise at all with Mon Santa – the only time he ever jumped a devil’s dyke was at the Hickstead Derby, but I don’t think he ever knocked it down.

“His third win really stands out as it rained so much they had to pump water out of the devil’s dyke. He went round for one down but everyone else had more than two down, it was that bad. He came out looking like he’d had a mud bath with his overreach boots upside down and tendon boots all over the place, but he just battled his way round.”

‘Some laughed, some took me seriously – it was a journey’: a look back with ‘Rastafarian showjumper’ Oliver Skeete

Jennifer Donald — Sun, 21 May 2023 17:32:08 +0000

Many of you may remember the foray with fame enjoyed in the 1990s by dreadlocked Londoner Oliver Skeete, who earned countless television appearances and print space on the back of his novel bid to showjump at the Sydney Olympics in 2000.

A former motor mechanic, bouncer and footballer, Oliver only began riding aged 36 after “getting bored” watching his daughters learning at Ealing Riding School and was immediately hooked. He sold the family car to buy a horse and within a year had started showjumping competitively.

“My two daughters were five and eight and I took them to Ealing Riding School one summer,” Oliver Skeete tells H&H. “I was watching, getting bored, so I decided to have a go myself. The first horse I sat on nearly chucked me off, but I fell in love with it. Because I couldn’t do it – I really was useless – that’s what did it for me, I wanted to get better.”

Oliver bought his daughters a pony each and learned everything from mucking out to grooming.

“I then bought a cob called Odd Job – he was definitely PC Plod!” says Barbados-born Oliver. “But I learnt on him and my daughters carried on riding until they were teenagers.”

Soon Oliver had had enough of plodding around and instead wanted a horse “that would go forward” so he bought a thoroughbred.

“I was new to horses and I just got ripped off,” says Oliver. “I had him for a year but he was just too forward going – although he could jump, just not very well, and that gave me the bug.

“I went to Barry Fox for lessons and he took me to Ireland and we bought a horse from Paul Darragh called Betsy. She was only small but she could really jump – I paid about £15,000 for her. Barry started teaching me and, all this is within a year, I started going to shows, doing discovery classes – and falling off a lot!

“But I wasn’t happy because I was jumping the small classes while the kids were jumping the big classes – I wanted to be doing that.”

So Oliver jumped in his car and “followed the Whitakers, all over the country”.

“I was just watching them and learning,” he reveals of seeing brothers John and Michael in action.

Oliver Skeete: ‘It just went wild’

Next, Oliver moved his horse to the yard of showjumper Nigel Goddard and began training with him.

“Next thing I knew I was jumping newcomers and then it just went wild – but it wasn’t just my riding that was taking off, it was this novelty thing,” he explains. “People were watching – some were laughing, but some were taking me seriously and it was a journey. It just evolved.”

Oliver reveals that is was international showjumper Lionel Dunning who taught him “how to ride properly” on his assortment of horses including youngsters and novices.

At Jersey Horse of the Year Show, where Oliver won a class, he unexpectedly ended up jumping his first puissance.

“I met these travellers who were taking the Mickey and trying to sell me this scrawny little horse,” he remembers. “They said ‘Try it in a class and if you like it, you can buy it’. So I asked which class I should enter it in and they said the puissance!

“Well I did it – I didn’t win, but I winged it on a horse I’d never ridden before. I think it was just a matter of not being scared.”

Oliver had set his sights on reaching the top of the sport, but by this time he “was running out of money”.

“So I phoned up The Sun newspaper and asked if they wanted to sponsor me – they said no, but they did want to do a story on me and that’s when it all kicked off,” he recalls.

Oliver appeared on prime time chat shows, news programmes, he even made a documentary, while also becoming a familiar face in the showjumping ring. He went on to write his autobiography, Jumping the Odds: Memoirs of a Rastafarian Showjumper.

‘I decided to get away from it all’

While he didn’t make it to the top of the sport, he succeeded in taking showjumping to a much wider audience.

“I was clearing out the loft the other day and found all the magazines and newspapers I was in – I kept everything and met so many people,” Oliver says.

“I eventually stopped riding about 12 years ago – I was running a stables and after a run-in with another con lady I decided to get away from it all.”

Since hanging up his boots, Oliver Skeete has done some acting, making an appearance in James Bond film Die Another Day, and now runs a removal company, occasionally riding a friend’s horses.

Looking back at his time in the ring, Oliver says: “Don’t get me wrong, I was never the best rider in the world, but I just had this thing that I wanted to be a showjumper and all these really good boys like the Whitakers and Tim Stockdale gave me the encouragement I needed to do it.

“So I’m not riding as such now – I still enjoy it though, that will never go.

“I took my daughter, who is now 37, riding in Barbados recently – she hadn’t ridden for ages and she loved it. Sometimes we sit and watch the old videos together, they loved it all. I think they’re very proud of their old man.”

In the genes: Whitaker wins on son of mare his father jumped to victory 15 years ago

Jennifer Donald — Wed, 12 Jan 2022 12:44:02 +0000

It’s no surprise to see the younger generation of Whitakers following in the footsteps of their senior relatives but at Onley Grounds Equestrian Complex last week (5 January) the family’s horses were keeping it in the genes, too.

The winner of the winter grand prix was 20-year-old Jack Whitaker, son of the great Michael Whitaker. Jack’s victorious partner for this 1.50m class was the nine-year-old Negredo De Muze, a son of Michael’s former top grand prix mare Portofino, who took Michael to success all over the world. Among their most notable victories were the Big Ben Challenge in Toronto, World Cup qualifiers, Nations Cup — including winning the Aga Khan Trophy in Dublin in 2005 — as well as claiming team bronze at the European Championships in 2007.

Describing the similarities between the equine mother and son, who is by Elvis Ter Putte, Jack said there was a lot to like. He took the reins on Negredo 18 months ago from his father, who had produced him through young horse classes.

“He [Negredo] looks like Portfofino with a similar way of going,” he revealed, although he is “not the fastest” and patience has been key.

“The jump’s always been there but he’s a bit funny in his mouth. We keep it simple; concentration isn’t his strong point, but he’s improving,” added Jack.

The home-bred stallion carries the famous De Muze suffix from the stud where he was born, with Joris De Brabander and Michael Whitaker listed as his joint-breeders.

“It proved difficult to get embryos from Portofino so she went to specialised, experienced hands – Negredo was actually born in Belgium,” explained Jack.

The pair won Onley’s grand prix after a 13-way jump-off and Jack followed his father’s advice which was: “It’s gone 9pm, give it your best shot and don’t fanny about!”

“The double was on a dog-leg. I took the wider option for six strides, but you had to be positive to jump out,” said Jack.

Taking second in the class behind Jack was Louise Saywell riding Kingsborough Kasper, just ahead of Joe Fernyhough with Lejoor.

You can read the full report from Onley winter classic in this week’s issue of Horse & Hound, in the shops from Thursday 13 January.

‘When he felt the tension, he’d jump a foot higher’: why Monsanta was Michael Whitaker’s horse of a lifetime

Jennifer Donald — Sun, 06 Dec 2020 12:24:21 +0000

This week, the legendary showjumper Michael Whitaker has been sharing his memories of one of his greatest equine partners, the all-conquering Monsanta. Among their many achievements, the duo won the Hickstead Derby three times in succession, collected four championship medals and represented Great Britain at the 1992 Olympics.

While speaking to H&H showjumping editor Jennifer Donald in this week’s episode of the Horse & Hound podcast, Michael reveals what gave the teenage gelding the edge.

“His attitude — you could take him to a local show and he wouldn’t do anything special, he might even have two down in a 1.20m class,” he says.

“But he’d always know if you were trying harder. When he could feel that tension in the warm-up he could just jump a foot higher. He was unbelievably careful.”

When asked to pick out some of his proudest moment with Monsanta, Michael is spoilt for choice but top of the list is the European Championships in Rotterdam in 1989 when the British team won gold and Michael finished with individual silver, behind his elder brother John riding Milton.

“It was a special moment — I just would have been happier if it had been the other way round!” laughs Michael, who had been leading the competition going into the final medal decider.

Continued below…

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“There was a very easy oxer before the combination, which was a bit tricky — two verticals coming out — so I just thought to myself ‘Don’t over-ride that oxer’,” says Michael. “That’s what it was there for — so you’d kick at the oxer and it would make the combination more difficult.

“But Monsanta just touched the back rail of the oxer — I obviously didn’t over-ride it, I under-rode it! But then I lost my concentration to the combination and I couldn’t have ridden it any worse and he jumped it anyway.”

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Legends of the sport: Monsanta — ‘whether it was Hickstead, Calgary or Dublin, he never let you down’ H&H Plus

Jennifer Donald — Sat, 05 Dec 2020 15:00:51 +0000

The treble Hickstead Derby winner only began his partnership with Michael Whitaker as a teenager. Jennifer Donald charts the stocky gelding’s illustrious achievements and will to win

An all-star cast of horses has taken centre stage for Michael Whitaker during his four decades in the saddle, but one stands out for his longevity, consistency and magnificent conquests around the globe – Monsanta.

The stocky, Irish-bred “Monty” had a distinctive air about him with his trademark sheepskin noseband and unusually high head carriage. He could be sharp, but appreciated Michael’s quiet approach in the saddle and, driven by the Yorkshireman’s steely will to win, he tried his heart out at every obstacle.

The 13-year-old gelding was already a young rider European gold medallist and Queen’s Cup winner when Michael took over the reins, but the remarkable pair went on to land the Hickstead Derby three times in succession, plus four championship medals and some of the richest grands prix in the world. All this and he never suffered a day’s lameness in his life.

“For any big occasion he was a very good horse,” says Michael. “One of the best in fact.”

Monsanta’s story begins in Northern Ireland in the mid 1970s, where international rider Leonard Cave produced him.

“I actually saw him jumping as a five-year-old in Ireland,” recalls Michael. “He looked careful even then and I followed his progress.”

With some excellent results, including a big money grand prix, under his belt, Leonard sent the then eight-year-old Monsanta to leading rider Johnny Greenwood in England to sell, but it was his daughters Gillian (now Catlow) and Julie (now Andrews) who took the reins – and didn’t let go…

“He found us really,” says Gillian, taking up the tale of her hugely successful time with the gelding.

“I’d broken my arm, so Julie rode him throughout that first winter – I don’t think he’d done much indoor jumping before then.”

Early in 1986, 20-year-old Gillian was back in the saddle and the two sisters shared the ride that year. Julie contested the junior Europeans on Monsanta then Gillian went on to win gold at the young riders European Championships, as well as the Queen’s Cup at the Royal International in 1987.

“Everything felt so easy on him – he could go for weeks without having a fence down,” says Gillian.

She was competing at Olympia when a deal was struck that would take this equine star into the hands of one of the world’s leading riders. Lord Harris, now best known for his ownership of Scott Brash’s horses, had just started to back Michael Whitaker and was looking for a horse to send him. The equation was solved thanks to David Broome.

“He said at Olympia I should watch this horse,” remembers Lord Harris. “I went down and bought him straight away. I knew he was careful and he had a lot of jump, but I probably didn’t think he was as good at that stage as he really was – but then I thought the same about Sanctos too!”

Michael was friends with the Greenwood family and had even jumped Monsanta as a catch ride at Gijon, Spain, one year.

“I had only gone there to watch my first wife, Véronique, jumping, but Gillian had hurt herself,” recalls Michael. “He went very well in the first class and finished second – then in the next class he stopped and I fell off. I’m not sure what happened, but I obviously did something wrong and went flying over his head!”

Michael’s only reservation in taking the reins on Monsanta this time was his age.

“I wondered whether at the age of 13 he’d still be as good,” Michael pondered. “But he certainly proved that he was. Age was just never an issue with him.

“We more or less clicked straight away and I knew he was a serious horse.”

Michael took Monty straight out on the World Cup circuit and won the Antwerp grand prix at only their second show together.

“Then we went to Gothenburg and he was second in the World Cup and second in the grand prix,” says Michael. “He maintained that consistency throughout his life actually.”

Very quickly the duo were conquering every corner of the globe. One of Michael’s stand-out moments came at the 1989 European Championships in Rotterdam where the Whitaker brothers took the individual gold and silver medals, as well as helping Great Britain to team gold.

“It was a real head-to-head between John and me,” says Michael, who’d topped the leaderboard throughout, but went through to the last round less than a fence ahead of John on Milton.

“I was just too slow to a big oxer and Monsanta clipped the back rail – it was totally my fault. But the combination was right after it so I was trying not to over-ride that. Then I lost my concentration and galloped into the combination and he jumped it clear anyway. So it could have been a very different story – it was so unlucky it was unbelievable. But those championships, with John and me first and second, were brilliant – it would have been better the other way round, mind!”

That same year, Monsanta and a 29-year-old Michael entered the Spruce Meadows history books when winning the world’s richest prize, the Du Maurier as it was then, the day after helping Great Britain win the gruelling Nations Cup at the Canadian venue. The jump-off for Calgary’s winner’s purse – worth £95,000 in today’s money – showcased Michael and Monsanta at their brilliant, dazzling best, in a round described as “exquisite” by the commentator.

“He actually won the Friday class, the Nations Cup and the big class that year,” recalls Michael. “Calgary is big, but he jumped clear every day – two rounds on Friday, two rounds on Saturday and three on Sunday.

“He was so reliable and in Nations Cups he rarely had more than one down; the harder you tried, the harder he tried.”

Monsanta, who donned the Everest, Henderson and Next prefixes over the years in accordance with Michael’s sponsorship deals, was an equally big winner indoors, but his aptitude for a vast turf arena resulted in their historic Hickstead Derby treble between 1991 and 1993. The veteran gelding had arrived in West Sussex that first summer off the back of a slightly deflating individual performance at the 1991 European Championships in La Baule, where the team had come home with silver.

However, the fire within was reignited around Hickstead’s hallowed turf and the pair sealed victory with the only clear round to the delight of a sun-drenched crowd.

The following year, jumping took place in stamina-sapping, rain-soaked conditions

that Michael describes as “near-impossible” and nobody could produce a clear. Michael came to the last with just one rail down and on landing, a tiring Monsanta – whose boots had been turned upside down from his efforts in the mud – pitched on his nose, having sunk into the ground “up to his fetlocks”. The gelding had given his all but crossed the line for a second successive victory; their nearest challengers had 12 faults.

Monsanta had to dig just as deep in 1993 when the momentous hat-trick was achieved after a jump-off against Australian Chris Chadwick (Mr Midnight) and France’s Hervé Godignon (Prince D’Incoville).

“I never used to train for the Derby – I’d just turn up and go – but even after Monsanta won the first one, I didn’t think he had it in him to come back and win the hat-trick,” remembers Michael. “But he jumped clear through the Devil’s Dyke every time and never batted an eyelid; he made you feel totally safe. That was the thing about Monsanta, whether it was Hickstead, Calgary or Dublin, he never let you down.

“Winning Hickstead three times on the trot was very special.”

Among Monsanta’s other phenomenal attributes was his sense of occasion.

“You could take him to the local show and he could have three fences down, but he knew when it was the big day,” says Michael. “He was sharp, so you had to give him quite a bit of work the morning before a class. He could get a bit tense, but once you’d got him to relax, he was away. He was the same at home. But he was always so careful – James Fisher jumped him at Olympia one year and he jumped him clean off, he was so careful!

“But one thing about him was he was quite stocky so did have his jumping limit – not many courses were too big for him, but the Barcelona Olympics for example was just stupid big and that’s one time I thought, ‘Bloody hell, he’s going to struggle round here,’” explains Michael. “He actually only had one down in each round of the team competition, but when it got to the second round of the individual, it was just too big. Everyone struggled though.

“One of his best traits was that he wouldn’t hold anything against you, even if you’d cocked something up,” he adds. “Even at the next show after the Olympics, when he’d crashed through a huge combination in the final round, he won a grand prix. He had such a great attitude.”

The decision was made by the owners Lord and Lady Harris that the veteran should retire, win, lose or draw, after his fourth Hickstead Derby with Michael. They finished with four faults after a “mix up” at the Bank, but 19-year-old Monsanta had lost nothing in defeat.

“That was the last time I rode him,” says Michael. “But I think the Harrises were right to make the decision then – he’d had an absolutely fantastic career.”

Does Michael wish he could have teamed up with his exceptional partner five years earlier?

“Yes I do – but I was just glad to have got him at all,” he reflects. “It worked out very well in the end, so perhaps he needed to gain that experience before I got him. He wasn’t lame the entire time I rode him, which is amazing when you consider he went on to the age of 19 – the Greenwoods obviously did a very good job of looking after him.”

The great horse saw out his days with Lord Harris’s company HR director, Carol Sawyer, enjoying gymkhanas and showing classes. He died about three years later. Not only did he make history as one of the most successful showjumpers, he will forever be remembered with great affection by Michael.

“Every time I rode a lap of honour on Monsanta – most times I sat on him, in fact –

it felt like the best feeling in the world.”

“A good bloke”

“I had 100% faith in my dad, Johnny Greenwood, who spotted the potential in Monsanta,’ says his former rider Gillian Catlow (neé Greenwood). “He was quite sharp, but he was always reliable so you felt completely safe on him and he was an absolute gentleman in the stable. But he could absolutely run away with you, too! You had to treat him with respect at all times. I would describe him as workmanlike, solid and sound — he got on with the job and was just a good sort of bloke.

“Winning the Queen’s Cup at Birmingham on him was such a highlight. Of course, I followed his progress with Michael and it made me so proud. I have great memories — it was an honour to ride a horse like that.”

“So many great occasions”

“The real highlight for me was winning the Hickstead Derby three times running,” recals Lord Harris, Monsanta’s co-owner with Lady Harris. “But we had so many great occasions with him and for a small horse — he was only 16hh — he was unbelievable. Such a trier and a really kind horse.

”He won a lot, but I prefer my horses to jump really well and finish second than to be lucky and win. My wife was there for the European Championships in Rotterdam when he led on the first day, led on the second day, then John and Milton beat him on the third day by one fence.

“We also had Midnight Madness with Michael at that time — both great horses. I’ve won Calgary seven times, so I’ve been very lucky with all these brilliant horses.”

Ref: Horse & Hound; 3 December 2020

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The Horse & Hound Podcast: episode 27 – Michael Whitaker | Caring for hunters | News round-up

Carol Phillips — Thu, 03 Dec 2020 06:35:59 +0000

In our 27th weekly episode of The Horse & Hound Podcast, H&H’s showjumping editor Jennifer Donald chats to showjumping legend Michael Whitaker about his outstanding equine partner Monsanta, and finds out what the rider has been up to recently, plus his plans for Christmas this year. Moving on to the week’s top news stories, our news editor Eleanor Jones and news writer Becky Murray join our podcast host Pippa Roome to discuss FEI rule changes and interesting research findings about half pads. Finally, we catch up with vet Helen van Tuyll, who runs through important horse care matters specific to the care of horses that have had a long day out hunting.

Episode 27 of The Horse & Hound Podcast, our popular audio service available exclusively every Thursday morning for our H&H Plus subscribers, is now live.

Each episode is available for all H&H fans to listen to 24hrs after its early release to our H&H Plus members. Search for “The Horse & Hound Podcast” in your preferred podcast app and click subscribe to be notified about each new episode. This will allow more listeners to make The Horse & Hound Podcast an essential part of their week on Friday morning.

View all episodes of The Horse & Hound Podcast

In episode 27, legendary British showjumper Michael Whitaker talks to H&H showjumping editor Jennifer Donald about his brilliant championship partner Montana, including how the partnership came about and what made the horse so good.

“He was just so consistent, when you needed him he always came up with the goods” – Michael Whitaker

H&H podcast host Pippa Roome is joined by H&H news editor Eleanor Jones and news writer Becky Murray to discuss some of the week’s key stories, including FEI rules changes that will be coming in next year, new guidelines around the need to seek veterinary approval for therapists to treat a horse and interesting research findings on the impact half pads have on correctly fitted saddles.

“The researchers wanted to see what effect a half pad had on a saddle that had been fitted to industry guidelines. The findings weren’t what they expected at all” – Eleanor Jones

In this week’s advice section we catch up with equine vet Helen van Tuyll of VT Vets about the specific care needs of horses that spend many hours out hunting.

“A lot of the very famous makes of saddles have not been designed to be sat on for a long period of time, so while they may be highly popular with eventers and showjumpers, that doesn’t mean they are suitable for a long day out hunting” – Helen van Tuyll, BVSC MRCVS

We hope you will enjoy our latest episode and would love to hear your feedback, so please do send your thoughts to pippa.roome@futurenet.com

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The Horse & Hound Podcast: episode 24 – Carl Hester | Impaction colic | News round-up

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The Horse & Hound Podcast: episode six – Billy Twomey interview | Vet advice: infection testing | News round-up

Irish Olympic showjumper Billy Twomey offers advice on ways to get the best out of talented but tricky mares

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How to listen to the Horse & Hound Podcast: a beginner’s guide to podcasts

Life lessons: Top showjumper Michael Whitaker H&H Plus

Jennifer Donald — Sun, 02 Aug 2020 15:00:02 +0000

In a career spanning over 40 years, Michael has won 15 championship medals, including team silver at the 1984 Olympics and four team golds at the Europeans. He has claimed some of the world’s most prestigious grands prix and the Hickstead Derby title four times.

There were so many great riders in my younger days to watch and learn from – Eddie Macken, David Broome, Malcolm Pyrah and Caroline Bradley – but my mum said, “Watch Harvey Smith, his legs don’t move.” And she was right – he sat in a really good place and was actually a very stylish rider. Horses always went well for him and he set a great example to me.

I grew up watching Harvey jump in Yorkshire, then I’d see him and David Broome at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), Olympia and Hickstead, and they became my idols. David was winning a lot but he never looked like he was in a rush in a jump-off – he would never flap about, everything looked under control.

I say the same to my son Jack now when he goes off to shows – go and watch all the top riders whenever you can, to see how they do it. A lot of kids now just jump their class and go, but the best lesson you can have is to watch and learn.

The importance of rider position

When I was young, I wish I’d appreciated the importance of my position in the saddle. Up to the age of about 16, all I was thinking about was going in the ring and winning – it didn’t matter how I looked as long as I did it. But as I got older and things became more difficult I realised how much sitting in the right place at the right time can help the horse. The reason the American riders do so well most of the time is because they sit in exactly the right place.

A tip Harvey taught me was not to jump too big or too much in the warm-up. You need to go into the ring full of confidence, not having just had a crash or a stop, so you mustn’t overjump your horse.

I’ve also learnt not to lose patience with a horse. We’re all guilty of it, but you need to breathe in, count to 10 and start again – sometimes you can fall out with a horse, but you give yourself a lot more work trying to put things back together again the next day.

Where do I start?

The last thing I try to remember when I go into the arena is where the first fence is – so often, you can have a complete blank about the course and a few times I have thought, “Oh bloody hell, where do I start?” But usually if you can see where the first fence is, it all falls in to place!

I have every type of bit in my tack room but I tend to go to the same ones time and again – snaffle, double bridle, vulcanite pelham or hackamore. But the vulcanite pelham with tongue port is the one I use the most. It’s actually not very strong with a rounding on it so if a horse messes with its tongue or its mouth, I put it on and they accept it really well. It cuts out a lot of problems.

I wish I had Warren Point, with whom I won team gold at the 1985 European Championships, on my yard now. He was so fast against the clock and unbelievably careful. He liked Hickstead and Aachen, but he was also good indoors and won the HOYS grand prix, too. He had soundness problems at the end, so his career was cut short, but I’d love to see him reach his full potential.

Ref Horse & Hound; 30 July 2020

Lockdown living: the highs and lows of life at home with top riders during the pandemic H&H Plus

Horse & Hound — Sat, 30 May 2020 08:00:22 +0000

What’s it like living with an elite athlete grounded by the abandonment of all sport? H&H asks the partners of top riders how they are coping with lockdown...

Rebecca Hughes, wife of Team GBR dressage rider Gareth

A few years ago, I bought Gareth a guitar for his birthday, but he’s never had time to touch it – until now. Every afternoon he takes himself off into a different room to learn to play. Initially our young cat would run away from him when he picked it up and gave it a strum, but she’s stopped doing that now, so he must be improving!

He’s also been mowing the lawn as often as he can – Gareth is a homebody generally, so while it has been disappointing not to be working towards the Tokyo Olympics, he has been able to enjoy this rather strange break.

He tends to be grumpy when it’s cold and happy when the sun’s out, and luckily it has been mostly great weather.

He’s the one who usually goes out to Tesco to do the shopping – he tells me I don’t do it properly because I don’t go up and down every aisle. He very much likes the fact that there is now a one-way system in the supermarket as that was how he has always done it!

Chloe Breen, wife of Irish team showjumper Shane Breen

Hickstead is a unique habitat with around 20 of us, including the lads, living in one household, so I call it our self-isolation bubble. The priority has been trying to keep everyone safe, but it’s pretty much been business as usual and we haven’t gone too stir-crazy.

Our eldest daughters have been diligent with their schoolwork, but as for the two younger boys… They’ve been doing some veterinary work – they now know how to spot an embryo through a microscope and how to castrate yearlings. But they’ve seen more of Shane in the past seven weeks than they have in 13 years and Shane is loving it too – he keeps threatening to retire!

It’s been really valuable for Shane just to stop and take stock of the business. He’s been running a mini Global Champions Tour every week over very restrained heights, with the kids joining in, and Steven Wilde even sent us some commentary. We start with the individual qualifier, then the team competition and the grand prix, and our daughter Lorna is currently leading the rankings.

Shane and I have taken up daily yoga and he’s really feeling the benefit – he couldn’t touch his toes at the beginning and now he’s performing shoulder stands and headstands.

One person goes out every week to do all the shopping and the local Chinese restaurant has just started doing takeaways again, so we’re delighted about that. It’s been a challenge and cashflow is a nightmare, as I’m sure it is for everyone, but the lads have been amazing, we have some very loyal owners and we’re really enjoying this family time.

Simon Souster, husband of showing producer Ella Souster

For me, lockdown has been a big change as I’m a mechanic and my garage has been closed. It’s almost as if I’ve become Ella’s employee and I now come home each day smelling of horses.

While I do usually go to shows, I’ve always maintained that I’m the fixer; if anything needs fixing – such as the lorry – that’s my job. But I’ve learnt a lot spending more time at the yard, such as how to put a headcollar on, hang up a haynet or put a horse in the field – Ella will just say, “That one goes over there,” and off I go.

I’ve also come to realise what an awful job filling haynets is, so to make it easier I built a stand to hold the net while you shove the hay in.

I sat on a horse for the first time in 20 years. Even though I’ve known Ella for so long I’ve never, ever been on board. We were nominated for the loo roll challenge so I sat on one called Flossy (Hot Gossip).

We’ve been having movie nights in the evenings with the kids, Lexi, who’s four, and Xander, two. The kids love the ponies and have been learning lots, too. Xander has a pony called Herbie whom he likes to feed and give lots of kisses; he gets up early with Ella to go and see him. Lexi is also getting her riding in.

Melissa Whitaker, wife of showjumping multi-medallist Michael

Enjoying it is the wrong word, but Michael has been coping with lockdown pretty well – he’s been tootling around on his tractor, fixing fencing and that sort of thing. We’re nowhere near the end of the “to-do” list yet, though.

The top horses are out in the field so Michael’s loving the chance to work on the young ones and the trickier ones which, being away so much, he doesn’t usually have time for.

Our youngest daughters Katy and Molly are due to sit their GCSEs and A levels next year so they’ve been cracking on with their work – luckily I don’t have to do any more than check up on them occasionally. Our eldest son Jack is here with us, too. We had to furlough some grooms but we still have three girls on the yard. We’re pretty isolated anyway, so it’s a lovely little unit.

I have had to be a lot more creative with my cooking though with five adults to feed every day – and the boys are used to hotel food while they’re away competing, so they’re demanding starters, main courses, desserts, the works!

Michael and I have been glued to The Last Kingdom on Netflix, which has been a nice change. And I think for only the third time since I’ve known him, Michael actually went shopping – he was going that stir-crazy he offered to get the groceries. He couldn’t get over the banality and the price of it all though, so I don’t think he’ll be offering again soon…

Tom March, husband of Piggy, last year’s Badminton winner

Piggy has a few new rides this season – the advanced horses Dargun and Fonbherna Lancer, as well as two seven-year-olds – so in a way it’s been great to do a few events and then work with them at home again. However, we’re now getting to the stage where we’d like to go and test them in a competition environment.

The hard part of losing events is losing your target, so it’s a case of keeping motivated and having a plan of what you want to try to achieve with each horse.

There are certainly positives as well as the obvious negatives – Piggy is more relaxed than she would usually be with high pressure competitions such as Badminton.

We have six live-in staff and, with more time, we’ve made a conscious effort to help them more, giving them pointers and holding in-house dressage competitions.

We’re also spending more time with our son Max, who will be four at the end of July. Piggy is the chef – in normal times and lockdown – but I make a conscious effort to help with tidying up and washing up.

We’ve caught up on Killing Eve, but we’re not big TV watchers. I always watch a lot of online videos for breeding research and Piggy has watched some of the old Badminton and Burghley highlights shows.

Victoria de Sousa, wife of three-time champion Flat jockey Silvestre de Sousa

Silvestre is definitely getting bored in lockdown and has now broken the lawnmower through overuse, but he is keeping himself busy doing some fencing and landscaping. He’s been very relaxed but I can tell he’s starting to get itchy feet.

We’ve been together for 15 years and have three children, but we have never spent this much time together because he is one of the busiest Flat jockeys and is always racing.

To keep ourselves entertained we have been trying some TikTok challenges including the “koala”, where I climb over his shoulders and back through his legs without touching the ground. It’s particularly impressive considering Silvestre is smaller than me.

We’ve watched a lot of Netflix, including Money Heist and Wanted, and Silvestre has been out riding the young horses we have in daily. I’ve come to realise how clean he is, but he does also easily lose things and he has no idea where anything is kept in the house.

He tells me not to drink and smoke so much – perhaps he’s discovering my bad habits instead of me discovering his! He cooks a great steak and fish on the barbecue, plus some amazing Brazilian dishes.

James Davies, partner of showing producer Sam Roberts

Sam’s day-to-day routine has been pretty normal. She is outside most of the day trotting around in circles and going on the occasional hack. I am on furlough so will be collared to lend a hand when a fence needs fixing – which is at least once a week – or the pony bus needs looking at. I also seem to fix a lot of jumps as she keeps crashing into them; I can’t work out if it’s the pony or the driver’s fault.

If there is a feed delivery, I am the human forklift. I will sometimes help get the ponies in from the field and change their shin pads. Some can be a little feisty but I manage.

At the moment it’s like having two Sams around as her mother, Suzie, is never far away. If I get away from one, the other will soon find me.

The weekends are a bit strange as Sam is usually away showing. On Friday evenings I’d got used to seeing the ponies with their Mexican wrestler headgear on and their legs wrapped up like mummies.

As I can’t go shooting or fishing at the weekends, I have rearranged Sam’s belts and badges cabinet. I tell her she needs to win a few more big flowery ones before she can have a new cabinet; I think she’s been slacking.

In the evenings, I usually talk to the dog as Sam will be on social media catching up with horsey friends. Facebook is constant and on Tuesdays I will disappear when Holby City is on.

Lucy McCarthy, wife of Irish event rider Padraig, world silver medallist

After the initial serious black cloud, Padraig has adjusted to lockdown well. Our three children – Moss is five, Gus 20 months and Mimi eight months – are really fun to be around. Padraig doesn’t usually get to see much of them, but now he rides in the mornings and then does stuff with the kids and odd jobs.

Moss has started school but he’s quite advanced, so as long as he reads every day I’m not beating myself up about home schooling.

I’m quite anti-social. I miss going to the pub occasionally, but otherwise I love lockdown – which is an awful thing to say as so many people are suffering, but I’m enjoying having time as a family. Also, Padraig is doing the jobs I’ve been nagging him to do for ages. We live on a 170-acre farm and have our breeding programme, so there is plenty to do.

Padraig made me a raised vegetable bed for my birthday and he’s made a platform, bridge and slide for the kids. That’s his idea of gardening: bolting bits of wood together and sticking them in the ground. The extent of his green fingeredness is that he put together a living willow den. He did a magnificent job – though I did buy all the bits.

On Saturday nights we have a nice supper with the four live-in staff, lots of booze, cards and games such as Monopoly.

We live with my mum, Pippa. As she’s not in her first flush of youth, I am quite anxious about Covid-19 on her behalf and we’ll have to see how we operate when everything eases up a bit.

Fiona Johnson, wife of four-time champion jump jockey Richard

It’s been really nice having Richard at home during lockdown because I am so used to him being away racing seven days a week. He likes always to be busy and can’t really sit still, so he’s done a lot of tidying up outside.

We have been tag-teaming with the home-schooling of our three children. He goes out at 7am to do the horses and comes back in at 9am to help me with it – I do the English and he does the maths. The kids love having him at home, but he’ll be pleased to get back racing just to have a break!

Richard does a very good Sunday roast and has been perfecting his homemade Yorkshire puddings, but his gravy can be hit and miss. During lockdown, he’s been doing a roast every Sunday; it’s become his signature meal.

We’ve been watching Normal People on TV and some films, but don’t usually have much time in the evening once we’ve done the kids’ tea, put them to bed and then eaten ourselves.

We have two broodmares in at the moment who have foaled, plus some breakers, youngstock and the kids’ ponies. There is also 15-year-old terrier Jimmy, Labrador Hector and four chickens, so we’re enjoying some fresh eggs.

Darren Hicks, husband of Team GBR dressage rider Spencer Wilton

“Spenny” and I are hardly ever at home together so the past few weeks have actually been quite nice. He’s mostly been spending time in his garden, doing whatever he does to his plants, and has also been doing lots of baking – I think he’s trying to feed me up! He has made lots of carrot cakes and more recently a chocolate cake, although he wasn’t happy with that one so it went straight in the bin, sadly.

We’ve ended up watching a lot of The Great British Bake Off as well, which I haven’t been too happy about, but we have also watched Tiger King – like the rest of the world.

I’d say I’m quite a clean person, but not like Spenny. He’s stringent about cleaning, and has bought himself a steam cleaner so he can do the floors three times a day. The house looks like a show home!

We’ve been working out together at home, and we end up competing with each other – he definitely wins when it comes to core work.

Our other lockdown project has been to teach our French bulldog Percy how to swim so we’ve been going to the river during our walks. Luckily we haven’t had to go in and rescue him yet…

Ref Horse & Hound; 28 May 2020

Happy Birthday Michael Whitaker — 60 today! 11 amazing moments from his career…

Jennifer Donald — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 16:24:43 +0000

He’s one of the greatest riders of all time and today (Tuesday, 17 March), Michael Whitaker celebrates his 60th birthday (no, we can’t quite believe it either…).

“I was supposed to be celebrating with the family but I’m not even sure that’s going to be happening now,” says Michael of his somewhat curtailed celebrations due to current restrictions from coronavirus.

But to mark the big day, we’ve trawled through the archives to bring you 11 amazing moments in Michael’s phenomenal career.

1. Back in the day

Everest CHampionships Michael Whitaker and Brother Scott (Image credit: Clive Hills (from HH archives))

Michael has enjoyed a career spanning well over 40 years — he’s pictured here at the Everest Championships riding Brother Scott in the 1970s.

2. Gold!

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

In 2013, he and the great Viking helped Great Britain win the gold medal — his 15th championship accolade — at the European Championships in Herning, Denmark, alongside team-mates Scott Brash, Ben Maher and William Funnell.

3. Hickstead Derby four-timer

Michael Whitaker and Owen Gregory by Mr and Mrs Christopher Cory (chairman and managing director W D and H D Wills) (Image credit: Leslie Lane (in HH archives))

Michael is one of the elite group of riders to have won the Hickstead Derby four times — in 1980 with Owen Gregory (pictured) before securing a hat-trick between 1991 and 1993 with the amazing Monsanta.

4. Ta-dah!

left to right: Geoff Billington, Michael Whitaker, Nick Skelton, John Whitaker in 1991

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Michael as you’ve never seen him before — along with his pals Geoff Billington, Nick Skelton and brother John — entertain the crowds with their Chippendales routine at Olympia Horse Show.

5. Team glory

British team winners. L-R Robert Smith, Michael Whitaker, Nick Skelton, Scott Brash. Dignitaries unknown other than Rob Hoekstra (right with trophy). FEI Nations Cup (Image credit: TREVOR MEEKS)

He’s been a team stalwart throughout his career and in 2005 Michael (this time riding Portofino 63) was part of the winning Nations Cup team at Dublin Horse Show, lifting the prestigious Aga Khan Trophy.

6. Keeping it in the family

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No start list is complete without at least a couple of Whitakers on it and at the London leg of the Longines Global Champions Tour in London in 2018 he was up against his brother John and nephews William and Robert.

7. Great horsepower

Michael Whitaker on El Wee Widge (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Michael has enjoyed some tremendous equine partnerships over the years and in recent years has enjoyed success with El Wee Widge.

8. Olympic odyssey

Left to right: Michael Whitaker (reserve), Malcolm Pyrah, Joe Turi, David Broome and Nick Skelton, the Great Britain Olympic Showjumping Team, at Hickstead on 9th August 1988. (Photo by Bob Thomas/Getty Images.) (Image credit: Bob Thomas/Getty Images)

In 1988, Michael Whitaker was reserve for the Olympic showjumping team, pictured with squad members Malcolm Pyrah, Joe Turi, David Broome and Nick Skelton.

9. Eye on the prize

Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping GöteborgMichael Whitaker (GBR) - JB's Hot StuffPhotoFEI/ Arnd Bronkhorst (Image credit: Arnd bronkhorst/www.arnd.nl)

There aren’t many grand prix trophies without Michael’s name on them — he’s pictured here jumping in Gothenburg on JB’s Hot Stuff.

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(Image credit: Julie Priestley)

Jumping a horse away from home for the first time: 13 top tips from Michael and Jack Whitaker

Here’s some top tips from the pair on how to introduce a horse to a new environment and build confidence…

(Image credit: Julie Priestley)

10. Good times

Great Britain's Chef d'Equipe, Derek Ricketts accepts the Aga Khan Challenge Trophy from President Mary McAleese as riders William Funnel on Cortaflex Mondriaan (left) and Michael Whitaker on Portofino 63 (right) look on at the Failte Ireland Dublin Horse Show, Friday August 5 2005, at the Royal Dublin Society Arena, Dublin. (Image credit: PA Archive/PA Images)

Celebrating on top of the podium after another Aga Khan win in 2005, led by chef d’equipe Derek Ricketts.

11. And finally…

Equestrianism : Show Jumping: British Olympic team members L to R Michael Whitaker, Geoff Billington, Nick Skelton & John Whitaker. (Image credit: www.timeincukcontent.com)

One of H&H’s favourite images of all time — Michael enjoys a joke with Geoff Billington, Nick Skelton and brother John Whitaker ahead of the Barcelona Olympics in 1992.

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Jumping a horse away from home for the first time: 13 top tips from Michael and Jack Whitaker

Gemma Redrup — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 12:24:33 +0000

At a masterclass, sponsored by Dodson & Horrell, Michael Whitaker and his then 17-year-old son Jack shared some very useful advice for taking a young horse away from home for the first time to jump a course of showjumps.

Jack was riding a four-year-old home-bred gelding, by Billy Congo (pictured), who had never left home before. Here’s some top tips from the pair on how to introduce a horse to a new environment and build confidence…

1. We don’t ask too much from our young horses to start with — as long as they are forward and straight, that is all we are looking for.

2. We often use standing martingales on our young horses — they help with control and stop you getting smashed in the face!

3. Once we have had a little walk, trot and canter around to introduce the horse to its new surroundings, we start the jumping process using one pole on the floor in-between two wings. We trot over this a few times each way.

4. It’s important to try to avoid getting in a fight with your horse — keep things as straightforward as possible to avoid blowing their brains.

5. Once your horse is trotting and then cantering over the pole on the ground comfortably, build a small cross pole with fillers at the sides of the fence, so that the horse can see them, but they aren’t being asked to jump them — this will help them become accustomed to fillers and seeing different things. Jump the cross pole in canter until your horse feels confident, then progress to a small vertical.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

6. Make sure that you give your horse the freedom in its head and neck to jump the fence, but don’t throw away the contact in case your horse goes to stop or spook.

7. Always praise your horse for doing the right thing.

8. We don’t mind horses being spooky — at least they’re thinking about the job in hand.

9. Never ask a horse something it isn’t ready to do.

10. If your horse is fresh to start with, make sure they are settled before you start jumping — don’t fight with your horse if they are fresh as it will only complicate things. Just keep calm and keep working with them until they settle.

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11. You have to let your horse make mistakes in order to learn — knocking the odd pole isn’t the end of the world, but don’t allow them to think knocking fences down is normal — there’s a balance between the two.

12. We like to use groundlines on fences — we find it helps horses with confidence and their jump.

13. It’s important to get young horses out and about as much as possible to help them see the world, whether it’s competing in small classes or hiring out arenas — it will pay off in the long term.

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John and Michael Whitaker to miss Olympia: ‘it won’t be the same without them’ H&H Plus

Jennifer Donald — Fri, 13 Dec 2019 10:55:47 +0000

Comment by H&H showjumping editor Jennifer Donald

There will be two notable absentees at Olympia, The London International Horse Show, next week — the legendary showjumping brothers John and Michael Whitaker.

Both have been regular competitors at this traditional festive spectacular for the past four decades and are as much a part of Olympia as Santa Claus’s appearance in the Christmas finale and the agility dogs going hell-for-leather over the obstacles.

And who could forget the pair’s superb carol singing relayed on the big screen throughout last year’s show?But this time around, both John and Michael have missed out on qualification through the official rankings and failed to meet the invitation criteria as set by British Showjumping earlier this year.

“I think I’ve only missed two shows at Olympia in the past 30 or 40 years and both have been through injury,” John told H&H. “So it will be a real shame not to be there this year.

“I am a bit short of top horses at the moment and I probably wouldn’t have jumped in the World Cup itself, but I’d have been able to be competitive in the other classes — I’d definitely have given them a good shot!”

Eleven British riders have been allocated a place to compete in the five-star classes at Olympia this year as follows:

The top six combinations in the Nations Cup league (disregarding riders with multiple horses in the top six)
The top three riders from the FEI world ranking list from September (disregarding those already qualified above)
A wild card to be allocated by the performance manager in agreement with the organising committee.
The place of any riders/combinations who cannot accept their invite will be allocated by the organising committee in agreement with British Showjumping and the performance manager.

At the time of writing, the riders having qualified to represent Great Britain at the show are Emily Moffitt, Amy Inglis, Harry Charles, Ben Maher, William Funnell, Scott Brash, James Wilson, Holly Smith, Laura Renwick, Guy Williams and Robert Whitaker.

“I do realise I haven’t had the best year, so I wasn’t high enough up the rankings,” said Michael, who has had an injury-plagued season with his top string.

“But it’s all very well giving riders a slot to thank them for competing on Nations Cup teams this year, but what about the riders who have been riding on teams for the past 30 or 40 years? John more than anyone deserves that.”

Also missing from this year’s Olympia start lists is William Whitaker, who gave the crowd plenty to cheer about when winning the World Cup qualifier at last year’s show in tremendous style with Utamaro D’Ecaussines.

So while Michael will be in London in a supporting role to his son Jack, who has qualified for the Under-25 British Championship, it’s fair to say Olympia won’t be the same without two of the sport’s most-loved riders — the heroes to so many aspiring young riders sitting in the grandstands and such an integral part of the show over the years. The absence of the huge cheers both John and Michael receive every time they enter the arena will certainly make the Grand Hall feel a much quieter place.

“I’m sure they’ll miss seeing Michael and I singing this year more than anything!” laughed John.

* What do you think about this decision? Let us know by emailing hhletters@ti-media.com inclduing your name and nearest town and your thoughts could be published in a future issue of Horse & Hound magazine *

British Olympic horse goes to new home

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 10 Jan 2019 14:09:21 +0000

Michael Whitaker’s Rio 2016 Olympic ride Cassianato has gone to a new home – with British showjumper Jamie Gornall.

Gary and Beverley Widdowson, who also own Olympic champion Big Star, have sold a half-share in the 14-year-old stallion to Jamie’s father-in-law Chris Blundell.

Michael, who also rode the Cassini I son on the British team that finished fourth in the 2015 European Championships to qualify for Rio, said Cassianato had “gone to a good home”.

“I think everyone’s happy,” he told H&H.

Jamie said he was “extremely excited” by Cassianato’s arrival at his North Yorkshire yard.

“I look forward to building up a strong relationship with him as we aim for the 2019 European Championships and the Tokyo 2020 Olympics,” he said.

“He has some illustrious bloodlines, incredible ability and a brilliant temperament. He will fit in extremely well with our other competition horses here at Gornall Equestrian.”

Cassianato will also be available as a breeding stallion, for frozen and also fresh, chilled semen “when his schedule permits”.

Continues below…

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Meet Michael Whitaker

Michael has represented Britain on numerous international teams including four Olympics and has won an impressive 13 medals along the

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Five-star hotel or showjumping yard? It’s hard to tell…

At first glance, it's difficult to work out whether pictures of showjumper Jamie Gornall's North Yorkshire yard are computer-generated plans

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

“I am delighted to have invested in a horse of this calibre and thrilled that he will be stabled at Gornall Equestrian,” new part-owner Mr Blundell said.

“Jamie has some of the finest training facilities in Europe and I am confident that his analytical approach to horsemanship and commitment to the happiness and wellbeing of his horses will see Cassionato thrive.

“I, along with Gary and Beverley, am really looking forward to seeing this spectacular horse doing great things this year.”

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

In today’s (10 January) edition, you can also find our training special, including a schooling session with the eventing world champion Ros Canter, and we tell you how you can optimise your training. Plus, read our full report from Liverpool International and our careers special, on how to land your dream job and why it is never too late to find a role you love.

12 stars of Christmas: meet the 17-year-old showjumper taking on the world

Hannah Lemieux — Fri, 28 Dec 2018 08:25:11 +0000

Over the 12 days of Christmas this festive season, we are shining a light on up-and-coming talent across the disciplines. These are people you really need to keep an eye out for in 2019...

Jack Whitaker, the 17-year-old son of top British showjumper Michael Whitaker is already making a name for himself as one of Great Britain’s most promising young riders.

Here are some interesting facts about the future star…

A birthday to remember for Jack Whitaker

Jack won a team silver medal at the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires on his 17th birthday. The young showjumper, riding LV Chance Luck, was part of the European team that finished in second place in the Games. The feat comes 34 years after his father Michael and uncle John Whitaker won team silver at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles.

A multiple medal winner

Jack already has a number of medals tucked under his belt — two gold medals at the pony European Championships and team silver at the junior European Championships.

Oops!

Jack won a small horsebox when he was the leading rider of the CSI2* at Brussels Stephex Masters in 2017, the only problem that, aged just 15 at the time, he couldn’t drive it! It didn’t stop him taking it for a test spin around the arena, however.

A Shetland called Sotty

The talented youngster credits a small, but naughty, Shetland pony named Sotty for getting him into riding at a young age.

Talent from a young age

He started showjumping aged nine and his first competition pony was called Zodianne Van De Doevenbree, whom he got as a five-year-old. Jack produced the pony and, four years later, they won team gold at the pony European Championships.

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(Image credit: Lucy Merrell)

Jack Whitaker wins horsebox, but he isn’t old enough to drive it…

The 15-year-old will have to enjoy his shiny new horsebox from the passenger seat

(Image credit: Lucy Merrell)

Whitaker celebrates birthday with Youth Olympic team silver

It was a 17th birthday to remember for the British rider

(Image credit: Lucy Merrell)

Watch Michael Whitaker’s 16-year-old son take the reins on Big Star

It’s not every day a teenager, albeit one of Great Britain’s most promising young riders, has the opportunity to ride

School’s out!

Jack switched to horses aged 12, juggling schoolwork with competing at shows, before deciding to turn professional on finishing school aged 16.

A spin on Big Star

He even got to ride Nick Skelton’s 2016 Olympic gold medal-winning mount, Big Star. Jack received a last-minute call-up to take the reins on the now-retired superstar at the Stallion AI Services and Twemlows Stud open day in April.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

British riders out in force at Liverpool International Horse Show

Becky Murray — Sun, 16 Dec 2018 13:09:29 +0000

Showjumping fans can look forward to seeing some of their favourite British riders out in force at this year’s Liverpool International Horse Show later this month (28-31 December).

Competing at the Echo Arena in Liverpool, fans can catch a glimpse of John and Michael Whitaker who will ride alongside Robert Smith, William Funnell, Harry Charles and Laura Renwick as they battle it out for a place in the hotly-anticipated grand prix taking place on New Year’s Eve. The fences stand at 1.60m with Longines world ranking points and a share of the €75,000 prize pot up for grabs.

Irish riders Billy Twomey, Shane Breen, Anthony Condon, Michael Duffy and Conor Swail are also in the lineup alongside international riders Felicie Bertrand from France, Tobias Meyer from Germany and Andrew Kocher of the United States.

The crowd-favourite puissance on Sunday (30 December) will see experienced riders David Simpson, Mikey Pender, James Smith, Nano Healy and Michael Whyte among the startlist to take on the famous big red wall. The 2017 top prize was shared by British riders Holly Smith and Louse Saywell and Irish rider Christopher Megahey, who all went the full five rounds leaving the wall intact at 2.2m.

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Fancy a New Year treat? Get your Liverpool International Horse Show tickets NOW

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Show president Nina Barbour said: “The puissance is always such a crowd pleaser and we are delighted that so many of the stars are heading to Liverpool. The Sunday evening is really building up to be a must-see performance.”

Other classes across the four days include the CSI4* with an 87-strong start list (Thursday 27), the mini major that will see future stars on ponies team up with top riders in a pairs relay (Sunday 30); and the speedy knockout class (Monday 31) which begins with eight pairs of riders racing against each other up and down a mirror image of showjumps to secure their place in the next round.

Tickets for the show are still available.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

Top Brits to battle for share of €12 million prize pot

Becky Murray — Mon, 10 Dec 2018 15:21:44 +0000

Top British showjumpers are to battle it out for a share of a €12million prize pot in a exciting new showjumping concept.

The Global Champions (GC) Prague Playoffs taking place at the 02 Arena in Prague on 13 – 16 December will see Scott Brash, Ben Maher and Michael Whitaker among riders set to compete.

Scott and Ben will compete in the “ultimate showdown” against the likes of Edwina Tops-Alexander, Harrie Smolders, Ludger Beerbaum and Shane Breen in the 16-strong Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) super grand prix on Saturday evening (15 December).

“Top athletes have been competing at iconic locations including Mexico City, Miami Beach, Shanghai, Paris, London and Doha to qualify for the ultimate individual decider of 2018,” said an LGCT spokesman.

“The 16 challengers will face two formidable 1.60m tracks in the high-stakes showdown, set to test those who have looked on phenomenal form throughout the year.”

The team event will see Michael Whitaker riding for Doha Fursan Qatar with €3 million up for grabs for the winning team. Fans can expect to see big names including Laura Kraut, Marcus Ehning, Bertram Allen and Jessica Springsteen in the line up.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

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Scott Brash makes history with London triumph

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“Global Champion League (GCL) team fans will be treated to a brand new concept for the sport, with teams rallying to get through the quarter-final and semi-final stages, as excitement builds for the finals on Sunday in the GCL super cup” said the spokesman.

“Team managers have been in intense discussion regarding strategic choices on which riders and horses to field for this event – the first indoor show on the LGCT and GCL calendar,”

The event promises to be a “thrilling light show, wall-to-wall entertainment and a festive atmosphere” in the run up to Christmas with 14,000 spectators expected to attend.

Limited tickets to the event are still available and the event will be available to watch live on GC TV via www.gcglobalchampions.com

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

World’s top riders – plus British legends galore — head to Olympia

Jennifer Donald — Tue, 04 Dec 2018 17:01:33 +0000

The London International Horse Show at Olympia is just around the corner (17-23 December) and, as well as lashings of festive spirit, we will once again be treated to a visit by some of the best riders in the world.

Among this year’s showjumping contenders in the five-star international classes are Great Britain’s superstars Ben Maher, Scott Brash and John and Michael Whitaker. Scott brings Hello Forever, Hello M’Lord and Hello Shelby, while the great Argento (pictured top) will be back in action for John after injury.

You’ll also be able to cheer home Team GB’s WEG riders Holly Smith, William Funnell and William Whitaker, his cousin Robert, speedsters Guy Williams and Laura Renwick, and the European young rider champion Harry Charles.

For Irish supporters, Darragh Kenny and Shane Breen will be chasing some of this country’s biggest prize funds.

Olympia always offers unrivalled close-up viewing over some mighty fences and where else can you see five of the world’s top ranked riders under one roof? Swiss rider Steve Guerdat was crowned Olympic champion in 2012 and returns to London as the current world number two, just ahead of Sweden’s Henrik von Eckermann and German maestro Marcus Ehning and his team-mate Daniel Deusser. The reigning European champion Peder Fredricson brings his gold medal-winning ride H&M All In.

Slightly further down the rankings are other leading names such as Dutchman Maikel van der Vleuten, Germany’s Christian Ahlmann, the popular Italian trio of Alberto Zorzi, Lorenzo de Luca and Luca Moneta, and crowd favourite Geir Gulliksen of Norway, who also brings his son Johan-Sebastian.

Continued below…

(Image credit: Jenny/Naylor UK Armed Forces Equestrian Association)

Spot a British showjumping superstar of the future at Olympia

Fans can expect to see some of the country’s leading young showjumpers across the weekend

(Image credit: Jenny/Naylor UK Armed Forces Equestrian Association)

Armed forces to do battle at Olympia

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The non-European representatives include Edwina Tops-Alexander of Australia and the new world team champion Laura Kraut of USA. The full list of international riders can be found here.

The international showjumping classes begin on the morning of Wednesday 19 December. The puissance takes place on Wednesday evening, with other highlights including the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup on Saturday afternoon and Sunday evening’s grand prix.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

‘He’s been beating me all his life’: Michael trumps John in Whitaker GCT showdown

Lucy Elder — Wed, 04 Jul 2018 13:14:33 +0000

Michael Whitaker triumphed over brother John in a close-fought display of sibling rivalry on the world stage.

Michael and Valmy took the CSI5* Trophée Casino de Monte-Carlo class, tenths of a second ahead of his brother, riding Argento, at the Monaco leg of the Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) on 29 June.

“He’s been beating me all his life, but it’s nice to get one back!” joked Michael.

“My horse is unbelievably careful, he’s a fighter — he’s got a little bit more experience to come but I’m excited about him.”

The time allowed was especially tight, with the top three each picking up a time fault each in the jump-off.

Michael finished 0.37 seconds ahead of John to win in a time of 36.04, with Ireland’s Michael Duffy and Egalini also posting a rapid round to finish third in a time of 36.6.

“It’s a tough course, the ring is small which makes it more difficult as the jumps come quick,” said the Irishman.

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Frank Rothenberger’s technical track proved influential — 10 of the 41 competitors finished on a zero score in the first round to go forward to the jump-off, with only the top three managing to keep all the fences up in the second round.

World number one Harrie Smolders produced a smooth round with Corrada and looked likely to take the win, but clipped the final fence to finish seventh.

Ireland’s Bertram Allen jumped a spotless first round aboard Hector Van D’Abdijhoeve, but picked up 16 faults in the jump-off.

Robert Smith and Cimano E were clear in the first round, but a costly time fault ruled them out of the jump-off.

The next leg of the LGCT takes place in Paris this week (5-7 July).

In this week’s Horse & Hound magazine, out on Thursday 28 June 2018, don’t miss our full report from the Hickstead Derby meeting, including all the showjumping and showing action, plus don’t miss our six-page report from Royal Ascot.

We also have a feature on the much discussed whip rules across the disciplines and in this week’s ‘Vet clinic’ we find out how to spot the signs of sand colic.

Beezie Madden takes World Cup jumping title as British riders finish out of the prizes

Pippa Roome — Sun, 15 Apr 2018 16:21:20 +0000

Beezie Madden won the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Final in Paris this afternoon (Sunday, 15 April), her second time taking the title.

The first round this afternoon did not juggle the top three from the previous legs when Devin Ryan, Henrik von Eckermann and Beezie Madden all went clear.

In the second round US rider Devin repeated his feat with the fantastic nine-year-old Eddie Blue.

When Sweden’s Henrik von Eckermann’s ride Toveks Mary Lou knocked down fence two with his hind legs, he dropped a place to third and Devin moved up to second.

“I didn’t want to come here unless I had a shot and I knew I had an amazing horse,” said Devin.

Beezie and Abigail S Wexner’s Breitling LS had not dropped a fence up to this point, but the second part of the short-striding treble at fence six tumbled. However, she could afford this four penalties and still win so when she added nothing further to her total, the World Cup was hers.

Henrik said: “I have mixed feelings — on the one hand third is not bad, but I was so close to a jump-off with Beezie. It would feel better if she’d gone clear [so that I couldn’t have beaten her even if I’d gone clear].”

Beezie said: “My horse was fantastic and to have the US in one-two is great — it couldn’t have been a better week for us.”

Britain’s Michael Whitaker and his nephew Robert both made it through to the 20-starter second round. In the first round Robert had the first part of the treble at fence 11 down with his mother Clare and Mandy Hall’s Catwalk IV, plus a time-fault, and Michael incurred just one time-penalty on Jayne Bean’s JB’s Hot Stuff.

Round two did not go so well for Michael, who had the oxer at fence seven and the second part of the double at nine down, and had to circle before fence 12. He dropped down to eventual 20th, while Robert’s four faults at the first fence, plus a single time-fault, left him 19th.

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Full report from Paris in Horse & Hound magazine this week (issue dated 19 April).

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

Beezie Madden still leads World Cup jumping final; Whitakers progress to Sunday’s last leg

Pippa Roome — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 22:11:27 +0000

Beezie Madden strengthened her position in the Longines FEI World Cup Final by winning tonight’s jump-off class in Paris (Friday, 13 April).

The US rider was one of nine to jump clear in the first round and then finished 0.22sec ahead of her nearest rival in the jump-off.

Competitors can swap horses in the World Cup final but Beezie stuck with her winning mount from yesterday’s speed leg, Abigail S Wexner’s Breitling LS.

“My horse feels amazing and if it looks easy, that’s really to his credit,” said Beezie. “Every time I call on him he does exactly what I want — he’s careful and clever. I couldn’t ask for more.”

Sweden’s Henrik von Eckermann now holds second in the overall standings after claiming third tonight on Toveks Mary Lou.

The Netherlands’ Harrie Smolders took second tonight on Emerald and holds equal seventh overall.

The USA’s Devin Ryan, third yesterday, was unlucky to have a time-fault in the first round today on the nine-year-old Eddie Blue. He retains third in the overall listing.

The top 30 competitors progress to leg three of the final on Sunday. Their placings in the first two legs are translated into penalties which they carry forward to leg three. Beezie starts on zero penalties and has a fence in hand over Henrik, who starts on four, with Devin on six. Sunday’s contest involves two rounds and potentially a jump-off.

“It’s always nice to have a rail in hand, but we’re really only halfway through,” said Beezie. “I hope my horse and I stay on form and keep jumping clear, but a lot can change.”

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Britain’s riders both had an unlucky fence down in the first round tonight but move forward to Sunday, with Michael Whitaker in 15th (17 penalties) and Robert in 21st (20 penalties).

Michael and Jayne Bean’s JB’s Hot Stuff took down the front rail of the oxer at fence 13, which followed a three-stride distance from another spread.

“The mare jumped unbelievably but you need a bit of luck — she just touched one fence and it came down,” said Michael.

Robert rode his mother Clare and Mandy Hall’s Catwalk IV, who lowered the front bar off the spread fence at 12.

“It’s just a shame, one of those things. She was jumping good really,” said Robert.

Check back over the weekend for more World Cup final news and don’t forget to pick up next week’s magazine for a full report from Paris.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

Beezie Madden leads after ‘juggling act’ at World Cup final; Whitakers in the hunt

Pippa Roome — Thu, 12 Apr 2018 21:37:50 +0000

The USA’s Beezie Madden leads after the speed leg of the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Final in Paris tonight (Thursday, 12 April).

There were eight clear rounds over Santiago Varela’s course and Beezie rode Abigail S Wexner’s Breitling LS to finish 0.72sec faster than her nearest rival, Daniel Deusser.

“It’s always quite tense the first day at the final — it’s a bit of a juggling act knowing how much risk to take as going fast over big fences is obviously more of a risk than going slow,” she said. “So when it goes well it’s a relief.”

Beezie stood champion at the World Cup final in 2013, when she also won on the first day.

The German runner-up Daniel Deusser — who won the final in 2014 — piloted the 15-year-old grey gelding Cornet D’Amour, who belongs to the Stephex Stables.

“When I walked the course I thought there weren’t many options for a speed class, so I had mixed feelings, but in the end it was a very good course — nobody went really fast, so I think all the horses will still have power for tomorrow,” he said.

The USA claimed third too when Devin Ryan on Eddie Blue was just 0.23sec behind Daniel.

“I haven’t spent much time in Europe, but it’s been a dream of mine to represent the States at some level so I’m very happy to be here and to have two US riders up here,” he said.

The World Cup final is a three-leg competition. Riders’ placings tonight and in tomorrow’s jump-off class are translated into penalties, which are carried forward into the last leg on Sunday.

Britain’s two riders both had good rounds today, with one fence down apiece, and remain in the hunt in the overall competition.

Michael Whitaker sits 15th with Jayne Bean’s JB’s Hot Stuff, who just touched the upright plank at fence 11 to add 4sec to his time of 65.5sec.

“It all went as planned,” he said. “That was the one fence on the course you couldn’t touch and it was a real shame she touched it. She didn’t deserve it.”

Michael’s nephew Robert lies 20th on his mother Clare and Mandy Hall’s Catwalk IV, who lowered the pole on top of the gold upright into the double at fence nine. His total time including 4sec added was 71.84sec.

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“He jumped good really. He was a little bit tense up that line and he’d normally jump a double of verticals well, but he was a bit unlucky,” said Robert, adding: “I wouldn’t have changed anything if I’d been last in, I’d have tried to jump the same round.”

Check back tomorrow for more news from the World Cup jumping final and the dressage grand prix.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday. Full report from the World Cup final in next week’s magazine (dated 19 April).

Whitakers off to World Cup: 26th time lucky or beginner’s luck in Paris?

Jennifer Donald — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 16:31:49 +0000

“I think I’ve done about 25 finals, so it’s about time I won it!” said Michael Whitaker, after he was confirmed to fly the British flag along with his nephew Robert Whitaker at the prestigious Longines FEI World Cup Final in Paris (10-15 April).

Michael’s third-place finish in the final qualifier of the series at the CSI5*-W in Gothenburg, Sweden, on Sunday (25 February) with JB’s Hot Stuff was enough to push him to sixth in the overall standings for the Western European League, with the top 20 going forward to the final.

Paris last hosted the World Cup final in 1987 and Michael was in action there that year, too. He has claimed three podium finishes at the showpiece event, finishing runner-up in 2005 on Portofino, third in 2001 on Handel II and third on Midnight Madness in 1994, but outright victory has so far proved elusive.

But while 57-year-old Michael has racked up an impressive tally of World Cup finals in his illustrious career, this will mark the first time 35-year-old Robert has qualified for the final showdown on the winter circuit. He and Catwalk IV finished sixth in Sunday’s competition — won by Swedish rider Henrik von Eckermann (Mary Lou 194). In a great weekend for Kent-based Robert, he also secured victory in the show’s grand prix the previous day riding Cash Sent.

Robert Whitaker and Catwalk (Image credit: creditUnknown)

“Catwalk is 15 now so I did say before Christmas that it would be good to go to the final this year because of his age,” Robert told H&H.

The first FEI World Cup final took place in Gothenburg in 1979 and this year’s finalists will compete for a jackpot of more than €1.3 million. The USA’s McLain Ward took the title with HH Azur at last year’s finals. The last British World Cup winner was Nick Skelton with Dollar Girl in 1995, while John Whitaker won back-to-back titles with Milton in 1990 and 1991, just missing out on the hat-trick as he finished runner-up to Ian Millar (CAN) the year before.

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The top 20 riders in the Western European League to have qualified for the final are as follows, although the tickets drop down to lower ranked riders should any of these not attend:

Henrik von Eckermann (SWE) 84

Kevin Staut (FRA) 79

Marcus Ehning (GER) 67

Edwina Tops-Alexander (AUS) 58

Denis Lynch (IRL) 57

Christian Ahlmann (GER) 56

Michael Whitaker (GBR) 56

Roger Yves Bost (FRA) 52

Pieter Devos (BEL) 49

Daniel Deusser (GER) 48

Carlos Enrique Lopez (COL) 46

Harrie Smolders (NED) 45

Alberto Zorzi (ITA) 45

Steve Guerdat (SUI) 44

Eduardo Alvarez Aznar (ESP) 43

Robert Whitaker (GBR) 40

Douglas Lindelow (SWE) 40

Mark McAuley (IRL) 39

Olivier Philippaerts (BEL) 37

Simon Delestre (FRA) 35

Don’t miss the full report from the World Cup final in Paris in the 19 April issue of Horse & Hound.

‘I can sleep now’: history made in Olympia grand prix

Gemma Redrup — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 23:32:20 +0000

Alberto Zorzi made history when winning the Turkish Airlines Olympia grand prix tonight (19 December), becoming the first Italian to ever take top honours in this class.

Riding the 13-year-old mare Contanga, Alberto had his foot flat to the boards to finish clear in 34.05secs.

“I knew I needed to go faster in the turns as there weren’t many other places where you could make up time,” explained Alberto. “I had a very good distance to the last fence which meant I could keep travelling to it.”

Alberto has had the ride full-time on Contanga, owned by Athina Onassis de Miranda and Victory Equestrian Sport, since July and this marked not only his first win at his first ever visit to Olympia, but also his first win on this mare.

“I wasn’t expecting to win, but after I went clear in the first round, I said I wanted to give it a try,” said Alberto. “I’ve always wanted to win at Olympia and now I can sleep knowing I’ve managed it.”

Alberto Zorzi riding Contanga (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Based at Stal Tops — the Dutch home of the founder and president of the Longines Global Champions Tour, Jan Tops — since 2015, this win tops off what has been a great year for 28-year-old Alberto, which has also seen him finish fourth individually at the European Championships and as the winner of the LGCT grand prix of Monaco.

Second went to Harrie Smoulders of the Netherlands, riding Zinius. The pair were quick, but a stumble after the wall, the second fence in the jump-off, Harrie had his work cut out. He eventually fell just 0.19sec adrift of Alberto’s time.

“My horse is fast and I knew I had a chance, but that stumble cost me victory,” said a disappointed Harrie, who was the 2017 LGCT series champion. “I had to rebalance and that cost me time.”

Best of the Brits was Michael Whitaker, who finished third on Jb’s Hot Stuff. Fourth to go in the jump-off, Michael posted the first double clear in 34.3sec.

“It was close and after my round I didn’t think I had quite done enough to win, but I was hopeful,” admitted Michael. “The mare is on great form and jumped really well, but I could have done with a flyer to the last.”

Michael Whitaker riding Jb’s Hot Stuff (Image credit: creditUnknown)

The 11-year-old, who Michael has had the ride on for the past two years owned by her breeder, Jayne Bean, is by Locarno 62 who was campaigned by Michael’s niece, Ellen.

“I went as fast as I could and probably could have done with a better draw in an ideal world as I had nothing to beat when I went in,” explained Michael. “But this mare is getting better and better.”

Twelve combinations made it through to the jump-off from 32 first round starters around the track built by Guilherm Jorje, which resulted in five double clears.

“The course have been great all week, and this particular one was very fair,” said Michael. “There weren’t many options in the jump-off, and everyone needed to take the same route with a similar number of strides, but it was the same for all the competitors.”

The Netherlands’ Maikel Van der Vleuten was fourth on Dana Blue, while Edwina Tops-Alexander was fifth on the super-smart prospect Inca Boy van T Vianahof.

The next best-placed Brit was Ben Maher, riding Winning Good, who is just an eight-year-old stallion. Guy Williams, third to go in the first round and who duly posted the first clear, was 12th on Rouge de Ravel.

To read the full report from Olympia, don’t miss this week’s Horse & Hound magazine, out Thursday 21 December

Britain down to one showjumper at European Championships

Jennifer Donald — Wed, 23 Aug 2017 10:24:32 +0000

Michael Whitaker and Viking are out of the European Championships after the horse was “not quite right” before he was due to jump in today’s opening competition.

“He pulled a shoe off at home before we came here and we didn’t think much of it,” Michael told H&H.

Viking was held at the first vet’s inspection on Monday but passed when represented on Tuesday morning.

“He was slightly sore when we arrived but he was trotting good yesterday and he was fine in the warm-up yesterday, he was jumping well,” said Michael.

“But when I was warming up today he didn’t quite feel right and when I popped him over a jump, he didn’t seem to land right. Then he did it again and I knew he wasn’t right. I think it’s a bit like twisting your ankle — he must have just twisted it slightly when the shoe came off and it wasn’t until we put pressure on him today that he started feeling it again.”

Michael was due to compete as an individual for Great Britain, along with his nephew William, who jumped a fantastic clear this morning on Utamaro D’Ecaussines.

“I know Viking so well and he’s not a soft horse so I knew he wasn’t right to jump him today so we had to withdraw — obviously I’m gutted,” said Michael. “Something like this has never happened to me before at a championship and given another couple of days he’d probably be able to jump and be fine.

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The Belgian team member took a tumble in

“It’s so disappointing, but William [Whitaker] jumped a great round this morning so I’ll stay for a couple of days to see how he gets on,” he added.

You can read the full report from the European Championships in Gothenburg in next week’s issue of Horse & Hound (out Thursday 31 August)

Michael Whitaker’s ride given green light after failing first trot-up at European Championships

Hannah Lemieux — Tue, 22 Aug 2017 08:36:58 +0000

There was relief in the British camp this morning (Tuesday, 22 August), after Michael Whitaker’s ride Viking passed a re-inspection ahead of the European Showjumping Championships in Gothenburg.

The 15-year-old gelding was not 100% trotting up during the initial vet inspection on the opening day (21 August).

The vets at the championships therefore asked Michael to re-present the son of Jacomar — who is owned by Michael’s wife Melissa — the following morning.

The re-inspection took place today at 8am and the team of vets was happy with how Viking trotted up, giving him the green light to compete. The gelding was the only horse asked to re-present after yesterday’s vet inspection.

Michael is riding as an individual alongside his nephew William, whose championship ride Utamaro D’Ecaussines passed the initial trot-up.

Aboard Viking, Michael was a member of the gold medal-winning British team at the 2015 European Championships in Herning.

“They couldn’t find anything wrong with him today,” said Michael after the re-inspection. “Yesterday, he was 99% okay but they asked me to bring him back in the morning. I have no idea what was up with him, it’s the first vet inspection he hasn’t passed.”

Continued below…

More from the Europeans…

(Image credit: Kevin Sparrow)

Individual gold and bronze for Britain on day one in Gothenburg

Suzanna Hext and Erin Orford secure gold and bronze for Britain early on the first day of the Para Dressage

(Image credit: Kevin Sparrow)

Julie Payne claims individual European gold for Britain

Julie Payne claims a second individual gold medal for Britain, with Sophie Wells taking silver

No team for the Brits

Great Britain is not fielding a team at the 2017 European Championships — a decision that was made taking into account both available equine talent and our longer-term performance objectives.

“We would be kidding ourselves to say that we have been satisfied with our Nations Cup team performances this year,” British Showjumping (BS) performance manager Di Lampard said.

“Like many sports, showjumping has changed massively in the past two years and we need to balance the individual objectives of riders alongside those of our national championship campaigns, especially in the first year of an Olympic cycle, which is always more of a transitional period.

European Showjumping Championships timetable

Wednesday, 23 August — 8.45am: first round
Thursday, 24 August — 1.30pm & 8.45pm: first round team competition
Friday, 25 August — 8.30pm: second team round and medals
Sunday, 27 August — 2pm: individual and medals

Don’t miss the full report from the dressage, para dressage and showjumping action from this week’s European Championships in Horse & Hound — including analysis, expert comments, pictures and more — on sale Thursday, 31 August.

Plus, keep up to date with all the latest news from the championships via horseandhound.co.uk and the H&H Facebook page.

No British showjumping team for European Championships

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 09 Aug 2017 16:08:38 +0000

There will be no British showjumping team at the 2017 European Championships (22-27 August), as the team focus is instead on the Nations Cup series.

Just two individuals, Michael Whitaker on his wife Melissa’s Viking and William Whitaker on Ludwig Criel’s Utamaro D’Ecaussines, will represent Britain in Gothenburg, a decision the British Equestrian Federation (BEF) admits is “unusual”.

BEF equestrian performance director Gordon Burton said: “Our selectors have chosen to send two individuals to the FEI Longines European Championships and focus our team activity on the Nations Cup series, to best achieve our goals for both 2017 and WEG 2018.

This decision has been made taking into account both available equine talent and our longer-term performance objectives.

“The selectors went through a robust process, based on performance data and discussions with athletes and owners from the nominated entries list. The selectors concluded that in this transitional period for showjumping, it is in the best longer-term interests of our less experienced equine athletes to take what we know is an unusual approach.

“Equine form is dynamic and we want to balance our championship and Nations Cup team delivery to best effect, while managing the exciting equine talent we have for the future.”

British Showjumping (BS) performance manager Di Lampard said it had not been an easy decision to make.

“We would be kidding ourselves to say that we have been satisfied with our Nations Cup team performances this year,” she added. “Like many sports, showjumping has changed massively in the past two years and we need to balance the individual objectives of riders alongside those of our national championship campaigns, especially in the first year of an Olympic cycle, which is always more of a transitional period.

“We’re starting to see some new and exciting combinations, alongside the more established riders who continue to support GB’s international campaign, which will give us greater strength and depth in the build-up to Tokyo.”

BS chief executive Iain Graham said BS “fully respects and supports the decision made by the selectors”.

(Image credit: Jon Stroud Media)

21 European Championship record breakers you might not believe are true

We take a look back through the history

(Image credit: Jon Stroud Media)

‘We’re ready to win a medal’: Irish showjumping team named for Euros

Rodrigo Pessoa has named his first championship squad

(Image credit: Jon Stroud Media)

‘I was a bit dazed’: John Whitaker gets the all-clear after fall

The legendary showjumper said he is ‘stiff but

He added: “We know that the decision wasn’t made lightly and understand that in-depth conversations were had with all stakeholders. Our focus is now on supporting the two senior riders heading out to the championships along with our youth riders and we wish them the very best of luck.”

Don’t miss next week’s H&H magazine (out 17 August) for a full preview of the European Championships.

A Whitaker quartet fly British flag in Nations Cup after withdrawal

Hannah Lemieux — Fri, 28 Jul 2017 11:29:28 +0000

A quartet of riders from the Whitaker dynasty make up the British team in this afternoon’s Longines FEI Nations Cup (Friday, 28 July) at the Royal International Horse Show, following the withdrawal of William Funnell’s Billy Buckingham.

The talented nine-year-old — winner of the Eindhoven Derby in May and sixth in the Al Shira’aa Derby last month — was pulled out from the team after being a “touch” lame yesterday.

He underwent a nerve block last night, which meant he couldn’t be ridden today. William, however, confirmed the horse is “okay” this morning.

Michael Whitaker will therefore be joined by his nephews William and Robert — the latter will partner the 14-year-old Catwalk IV.

Michael will ride the 15-year-old Viking, with whom he recently won the Bunn Leisure Derby Trial at the Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby Meeting.

William meanwhile rides his experienced championship horse, Utamaro D’Ecaussines, who he has ridden since September 2016.

Joe Clayton, Michael’s second cousin, has stepped in to replace William Funnell’s spot on the British team today and will partner Sarah Billington’s 10-year-old Con Man JX. The 27-year-old is based with Michael as his Nottinghamshire yard.

Di Lampard’s team will be hoping to score their first Nations Cup victory this season and improve on the disappointing British performance in Aachen last week, where the team racked up 54 penalties to finish lower down the scoreboard.

The British team last won the Nations Cup title at Hickstead in 2010, with a team comprising Tina Fletcher, William Funnell, Peter Charles and Michael Whitaker.

The Nations Cup kicks off at 2.15pm this afternoon (Friday, 28 July) and Britain faces tough opposition from teams including The Netherlands, Brazil, Ireland, Germany, Switzerland, France and Spain.

Don’t miss the full report from the Royal International Horse Show in Horse & Hound, on sale Thursday 3 August.

Golden oldies: today’s equestrian legends pictured past and present

Jennifer Donald — Mon, 17 Jul 2017 09:30:35 +0000

We've trawled through the H&H archives to bring you some of the current legends of the equestrian world — now and how they looked as fresh-faced young hopefuls back in the day

1. Mary King

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Now 56, eventer Mary is still riding with the same grit and determination as she did on board the wonderful, helicopter-tailed King Boris back in 1987.

2. Michael Whitaker

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Showjumper Michael, 57, won the first of his four Hickstead Derby titles in 1980 at the age of 20, complete with a full mop of hair, riding Owen Gregory.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

3. Richard Davison

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Dressage rider Richard, now 61, and Hiscox Artemis competed at the 2012 London Olympics in the same classic style seen 22 years earlier on Vidello.

4. David Tatlow

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The king of the show ring then and now strikes quite a pose at the National Hunter Show at Shrewsbury 58 years ago, having taken the Horse & Hound Challenge Cup with Altimira.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

5. Mark Todd

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

With five Olympic medals under his belt, Mark, now 61, did enjoy a seven-year retirement before returning to the sport in 2008 to continue his winning ways. He and The Irishman II are seen in action at Badminton in 1989 — nine years after he won his first title there with Southern Comfort III. Aside from his 1980 win, he also took the title in 1994, 1996 and 2011.

6. Ian Millar

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

In 2014 at the age of 67, the Canadian showjumper beat 20-year-old Reed Kessler in a two-way jump-off to take the sport’s richest prize, the CP International at Spruce Meadows, Canada. Back in the early 1970s when this picture was taken, “Captain Canada” had already made his debut at the first of his record-breaking 10 Olympic Games appearances.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

7. Geoff Billington

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

He may now be 62, but there’s no sign of the popular showjumper hanging up his boots just yet. In 1986 the showman enjoyed one of many moments in the spotlight, winning the Foxhunter championship with Edisford Bridge.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

8. Robert Oliver

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The stylish showman will forever be remembered for his great partnership with the six-time cob of the year Superted, seen here at Leicestershire County Show in 1988.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

9. John Whitaker

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Still winning at the age of 61, John first rose to fame with the great Ryan’s Son, already stars of the showjumping ring in 1977. “I didn’t know too much about the job back then, but he suited my style and we hit it off,” says John. And long may his winning ways continue.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

For all the latest equestrian news and reports, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday

The ultimate Whitaker quiz: have you got the legendary showjumping family sussed?

Madeleine Silver — Sat, 19 Nov 2016 12:17:19 +0000

You'd be excused for getting your Whitakers in a muddle from time to time. Britain's showjumping dynasty seems to be ever-expanding — as do their list of jumping accolades. Put yourself to the test with our quiz...

Don’t miss our exclusive interview with John and Michael Whitaker, in this week’s issue of Horse & Hound magazine (17 November, 2016)

Michael and John Whitaker: 7 things you might not know about the legendary brothers

Jennifer Donald — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 09:35:44 +0000

We recently caught up with the legendary John and Michael Whitaker for a trip down memory lane. Here are seven things you may not know about the pair…

1. As boys they did a milk round on a horse and cart

“We did it for about four years — it felt like a long time when we were doing it,” says Michael.

“I did it until I was 16 and left school and did showjumping properly,” says John.

2. They are each other’s biggest supporters

The two are always on hand to offer each other advice if needed and in a jump-off in Doha, Michael was on hand when John didn’t realise he was running out of time before the start.

“Michael can’t whistle, and if I’d heard someone whistle I’d have known, but he was shouting ‘Start, start!’ instead,” says John.

“I could hear shouting but thought there was something wrong with a fence or something, so I stopped and looked. I couldn’t see him anywhere and the clock was going five seconds four seconds… So I had to go full gallop to the first fence to get through the start in time — I had one second to spare! It probably helped me to win though. So it was a good thing Michael noticed and shouted. People you’re riding against are not going to shout are they?”

3. They sometimes swap horses

Several times over the years, the brothers have exchanged horses.

“I got the ride on Gammon in the Hickstead Derby,” says Michael. “John was away somewhere else and I was at Hickstead and John’s wife Clare just happened to see me and said ‘If I’d known you were coming you could have ridden Gammon’, who was jumping in the smaller classes with John’s daughter Louise. I said well I still can because I’ve only got two horses.”

“I don’t think anyone actually asked me!” says John.

“It nearly worked, too, I just had two stupid fences down and finished second,” says Michael. “Four faults won it that year. It was bigger in them days!”

4. One of their most memorable moments together came in 1984

“Winning the team silver medal at the Los Angeles Olympics was pretty special,” says Michael. “By the time Rio came around, we’d done loads of championships together so it didn’t feel different. But we all wanted John on the team — he wasn’t reluctant exactly but he wanted to make sure his horse was on form before committing himself.”

“A few weeks before, Ornellaia upped her game and was jumping very good, so we decided to go for it — it was good that we made another Olympics together,” says John.

5. They are always getting mistaken for each other

“In Lyon recently, they gave me a pass which said John Whitaker but it had Michael’s picture on it,” says John. “So I’m walking around with Michael’s picture on my pass but nobody stopped me.”

Like this? You might also enjoy reading these:

Meet the 2016 Hickstead Derby winner William Whitaker

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6. Each has competed while pretending to be the other brother

“In a young horse class in Hamburg, it was the day before the big classes started and John wasn’t even at the show yet so he said ‘Just ride my horse as well will you?’,” recalls Michael. “So I rode his horse, as John, and not one person said a word. Not one. I jumped clear and then John rode it for the next two days of the competition.”

7. They’ve never fallen out with each other

“We don’t really argue that much and I don’t think we’ve ever had a big falling out,” says Michael.

“We do appreciate each other,” says John.

Don’t miss the latest issue of Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday

Charlotte Dujardin, the Whitakers and Big Star to head to HOYS

Lucy Elder — Wed, 28 Sep 2016 05:58:06 +0000

Top names from the world of dressage and showjumping are entered to compete at this year’s Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).

British Rio Olympic showjumpers John and Michael Whitaker top the list of household names confirmed for the CSI3* classes on 6-9 October.

Robert Smith, William Funnell, Tim Stockdale, Guy Williams, Nicole Pavitt and Joe Clayton are among the other leading Brits confirmed for this year’s show, held at Birmingham NEC on 5-9 October.

There are a total of 32 spaces for riders in the 11 international classes over the week, with 16 British places available. Sunday’s leading showjumper of the year grand prix feature’s the largest prize fund of HOYS at £40,000.

Riders from Belgium, France, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden and the US make up the international contingent.

These include Shane Breen, Denis Lynch, Billy Twomey, Cian O’Connor and Julien Epaillard.

Meanwhile, double Olympic gold medallist Charlotte Dujardin heads the line-up for the Arbonne Dressage Future Elite Championship, which showcases Britain’s up-and-coming young dressage horses, on 7 October.

She will ride the eight-year-old Diamond Hit gelding Hawtins Delicato.

Also vying for the title is Michael Eilberg (Sa Coeur), Emile Faurie (Mount St John De La Beaute), Bryony Goodwin (Hawtins Floriana), Kate Cowell (Samba) Tom Goode (Dior III) and Sonnar Murray-Brown (Erlentanz).

Related articles:

What else is on?

Showing, driving, mounted games, displays and a performance from the cast of West End hit musical Mamma Mia also feature on the HOYS timetable.

Highlights will include a parade by Rio 2016 individual gold medallists Nick Skelton and Big Star during the evening performance on 9 October.

Fellow Olympic medallist Carl Hester will be giving a masterclass on 7 October and both Carl and Nick will also be signing autographs in the shopping village during the show.

Book your tickets here

British combination withdraw from Olympics

Lucy Elder — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 10:23:08 +0000

Michael Whitaker has withdrawn from the remainder of the Rio Olympics after his ride Cassionato showed signs of colic.

The 11-year-old grey stallion put a foot in the water to incur four faults and picked up one time fault in yesterday’s first team qualifier, leaving them in 42nd place.

Together with Ben Maher and Nick Skelton, the combination had qualified for today’s (17 August) showjumping round as individuals.

The decision to withdraw Cassionato was made after the horse showed signs of discomfort after yesterday’s round.

“Obviously we’re all very, very disappointed for Michael and owners Gary and Beverley Widdowson,” said team manager Di Lampard last night.

“Cassionato is being treated in the veterinary clinic this evening and is in very good hands. It just shows the effort the horse put into today’s round.”

The withdrawal does not affect Britain’s position as a team — faults from all members yesterday left the Brits on a total of 13 faults and in 12th place.

As only the top eight teams progress through to the next round, the London 2012 team gold medallists are unable to defend their title.

An unfortunate stop together with several rails down and time faults left John Whitaker and Ornellaia on 23 faults and out of the rest of the Games.

However Ben, Nick and Michael had all qualified as individuals.

Related articles:

The two remaining Brits will jump today with the aim of reaching the top 35 to qualify for the individual final on Friday, when all combinations will start on clean slates.

Jumping begins at 10am (2pm BST) today, with Nick and Ben eighth and ninth respectively in the starting order.

The USA, Germany, Brazil and the Netherlands are leading the team competition with scores of zero.

No team showjumping medal for Britain: defending champions out of the Rio Olympics

Pippa Roome — Tue, 16 Aug 2016 17:14:47 +0000

Britain will definitely not win a team showjumping medal at the Rio Olympics — the team has failed to qualify for the final round of the team contest tomorrow. This is a bitter disappointment after Team GB won showjumping team gold at the London Games.

Britain finished today on 13 faults in 12th place. Only the top eight teams qualify for the team final tomorrow.

Nick Skelton led off for Britain again today and the team appealed after Big Star, owned by Beverley Widdowson, was penalised with four faults at the water jump in an otherwise spectacular round.

“He’s never been in a water jump in his life and I didn’t think he was in that one, his heel just touched the tape,” he said. “The horse jumped amazing, I felt he couldn’t have jumped any better.”

Even if the appeal had been successful, the team would have finished in equal ninth — still outside the qualification zone for tomorrow.

Ben Maher’s ride, Jane Forbes Clark’s Tic Tac, took the back bar off the blue oxer at fence seven with his back legs.

“I didn’t think we did much wrong, we’re a bit short of luck on our team right now,” said Ben.

Michael Whitaker and Beverley Widdowson’s Cassionato also fell foul of the water at fence eight. They also had a time-fault.

“My horse and Nick’s are both normally brilliant water jumpers. It was on a bad distance, but we knew that,” said the rider, who also dropped his whip in the combination at fence four. “He was really spooking and I had to give him one and I dropped it, but it didn’t affect me — he was over-jumping if anything. The second half of the round was actually better apart from the water.”

The pressure was on John Whitaker to improve Britain’s position, but Team Harmony Management Co Ltd’s Ornellaia refused at the treble at fence four. Several rails down and time-faults meant they finished with 23 faults.

“Sometimes she looks at the first fence, but once she gets going she’s usually all right,” he said, somewhat at a loss to explain the problem. “I had to put a lot of pressure on her to jump it a second time and I knew I couldn’t improve the team position, so I just wanted to get her home.”

The only bright spot for Britain now is that Ben, Michael and Nick are all still contenders in the individual competition because they finished in the top 45 today. They will jump again tomorrow, after which the top 35 pairs go through to the individual final on Friday, where they start on clean slates to challenge for individual medals.

Nick Skelton and Big Star at the Rio Olympics. Picture by Peter Nixon (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Who is leading?

Four teams are on a zero score going into tomorrow’s team decider. They are the USA, the Netherlands, Brazil and Germany.

Of these, the USA and Germany look in the best shape as their discard riders also performed reasonably today — Beezie Madden (Cortes ‘C’) had eight faults for the US and Germany’s Ludger Beerbaum (Casello) had four faults.

Continued below…

Rio showjumping: riders disqualified for excessive use of whip and spurs

H&H Live: Rio Olympics showjumping team round one

‘Tougher than expected’: carnage in Rio Olympics showjumping but Britain’s John Whitaker shines

Brazil’s second rider out, Stephan de Freitas Barcha on Landpeter Do Feroleto, has been disqualified for over-use of the spurs. He will not be allowed to jump tomorrow, so Brazil will not have the opportunity to discard a score as they will field only a three-man team.

The final Dutch rider, Jur Vrieling, was eliminated today after Zirocco Blue had two refusals at the treble at fence four — this is not proving a successful Games for the rider, who was also disqualified on Sunday for using his whip excessively. He is allowed to jump again tomorrow, but as the horse has now had two refusals both times he has entered the ring, the Dutch will hope they do not need to rely on his performance.

The other teams through to tomorrow are France (one fault), Canada (four faults), Sweden and Switzerland (eight faults).

Full 20-page report from the Olympic showjumping in Rio in the issue of H&H published Thursday, 25 August, including full analysis of every round of the competition and expert comment from Geoff Billington and William Funnell.

What time do the British showjumpers ride in the Olympic team competition?

Pippa Roome — Mon, 15 Aug 2016 19:57:56 +0000

The start list for Tuesday’s important team round in the Rio Olympics showjumping competition has been revealed, allowing us to work out approximately what time the British competitors will ride.

Britain finished equal eighth with three other teams in the first competition on Sunday, which determines Tuesday’s starting order.

The nine riders who are only competing as individuals will be first into the arena, with Ireland’s Greg Broderick (Going Global) the third rider in at about 10.04am local time (2.04pm British time).

The bottom four teams from Sunday (Ukraine, Japan, Argentina, Australia) then jump all their riders. The remaining 11 teams then jump, with Britain’s rider always first in the rotation and the Brazilian and German riders last as those two teams finished on a zero score on Sunday.

There is a 15-minute break for the arena to be rolled after every 23 horses.

With the class starting at 10am local time, the British competitors’ approximate times (working on the basis of two minutes per round and factoring in the breaks) are:

Nick Skelton on Beverley Widdowson’s Big Star — 26th into the arena, 11.07am local time (3.07pm British time)
Ben Maher on Jane Forbes Clark’s Tic Tac — 37th into the arena, 11.29am local time (3.29pm British time)
Michael Whitaker on Beverley Widdowson’s Cassionato — 48th into the arena, 12.06pm local time (4.06pm British time)
John Whitaker on Team Harmony Management Co Ltd’s Ornellaia — 59th into the arena, 12.28pm local time (4.28pm British time)

Follow all the action here with H&H Live.

Continued below…

Beginners’ guide to Olympic showjumping at Rio 2016

H&H Live: Rio Olympics showjumping team round one

‘Tougher than expected’: carnage in Rio Olympics showjumping but Britain’s John Whitaker shines

The top eight teams after tomorrow make the cut to go through to Wednesday’s competition, after which the team medals will be awarded (on the basis of faults tomorrow and on Wednesday, with a jump-off if it is needed). Any individuals placed in the top 45 after tomorrow who are not part of a team (or whose team is not in the top eight) will also qualify for Wednesday’s class.

Full report from the Olympic showjumping in Rio in the issue of H&H published Thursday, 25 August, including full analysis of every round and expert comment from Geoff Billington and William Funnell.

‘Tougher than expected’: carnage in Rio Olympics showjumping but Britain’s John Whitaker shines

Pippa Roome — Sun, 14 Aug 2016 17:32:04 +0000

John Whitaker jumped Britain’s only clear round in the opening barrage of the Rio Olympics showjumping today.

The course proved much tougher than most riders expected and although 24 did jump clear, eight did not finish the course. Among the stars who were caught out were the Netherlands’ Jur Vrieling, who had two refusals with Zirocco Blue and was disqualified from the individual competition for excessive use of the whip, and France’s Penelope Leprovost, who fell off after a dramatic build-up to today for her and her ride Flora De Mariposa. France had already had to call in a reserve rider when Simon Delestre’s Ryan Des Hayetttes suffered an injury.

John was Britain’s anchorman with Team Harmony Management Co Ltd’s Ornellaia and had seen the problems Guilherme Jorge’s course was causing, particularly at the double at fence 11ab.

“I was a bit worried because she’s not got a lot of experience at this level, but she didn’t look at it,” he said. “I was happy with the round, she felt fresh and was listening. I wanted to go clear and have a confidence-giving round for her as much as for me.”

John Whitaker and Ornellaia at the Rio Olympics. Picture by Peter Nixon (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Britain’s other riders all had one fence down, so the team’s total for today was eight faults. Faults today do not count towards the team results, but they do determine the team starting order for tomorrow. Today’s results also count for the individual rankings — only the top 35 riders at the conclusion of the team competition on Wednesday will go through to the individual showdown on Friday.

Nick Skelton was Britain’s pathfinder riding Beverley Widdowson’s Big Star and the pair had the final fence, the 1.55m square oxer at 12, down.

“It was my fault,” he said. “He jumped out of the double so well that I saw four strides, but I knew it should be a holding five, then I ended up on six and was too deep. That’s what happens sometimes when you hold too fast.”

Ben Maher and Jane Forbes Clark’s Tic Tac took down the back bar of the oxer at fence nine.

“I don’t know him terribly well and he caught me by surprise after the water [fence seven] by getting strong,” he said. “I over-corrected him in trying to give him a gap [before the fence] to compensate for the forward motion. But I got him down the last line, which has been causing dramatic scenes. The course was bigger than we expected and I think we’re in for a tough run.”

Michael Whitaker was unlucky to have the top plank at fence 10 off when Beverley Widdowson’s Cassionato just touched it with his left toe.

“He just caught it on the way down,” he said. “Everything else went as it should have done so I’m very happy.”

How did Britain measure up?

There are no official team results today because the rounds do not count towards team medals, but according to H&H’s calculations Brazil and Germany were the only teams to record a zero score so they will be the last two teams to start on Tuesday, the first proper round of the team contest. Switzerland, the Netherlands, Qatar, Canada and France all finished on four faults. The Brits recorded eight faults, as did the USA, Sweden and Spain.

With 15 teams in the running, this puts Team GBR very much in the middle of the pack at this early stage and the riders agreed that although not perfect, today’s rounds were a good starting point.

“If you are going to have a fence down, today is the day to do it,” said Ben Maher.

Continued below…

Beginners’ guide to Olympic showjumping at Rio 2016

Defending champion held at Rio Olympics showjumping trot-up

Tales from Rio: ‘I found out I was jumping today at 7am’

The team competition continues on Tuesday, when all team riders, plus individuals placed in the top 60 today, jump again. After that, the top eight teams and individuals in the top 45 progress to Wednesday, which is the team final.

Full report from the Olympic showjumping in Rio in the issue of H&H published Thursday, 25 August, including full analysis of every round and expert comment from Geoff Billington.

British Olympic team rider taken to hospital after fall

Jennifer Donald — Thu, 28 Jul 2016 13:21:46 +0000

Barely a fortnight before the start of the Olympic showjumping in Rio, Great Britain team member Michael Whitaker has ended up in hospital after a fall from a horse at home.

“It was just one of those freak accidents,” Michael told H&H from the Royal International Horse Show, Hickstead, where he was supposed to be competing this week.

“I was riding a horse at home along the railings when he spooked at something and lost his footing.

I came down with him and ended up between him and the railing.

“Luckily the railing gave way, or I’d have been in a right mess.”

The incident happened on Monday (25 July) and the Nottinghamshire-based showjumper who is due to ride the Widdowsons’ stallion Cassionato at the Games in Rio next month, was also due to be on Nations Cup team duties at Hickstead tomorrow (29 July).

“I thought it [the injury] would come right, but when it didn’t I went to hospital as I needed to know, not only for the Olympics but for this week at Hickstead, too,” said Michael, who is due to compete at his sixth Games.

“I’ve cracked one rib and there’s bruising and it’s pretty painful. But I’ll definitely be back riding at Hickstead on Saturday.

“It’s just not very good timing!”

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The remaining Great Britain team members for tomorrow’s Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup at the Royal International Horse Show are Scott Brash (Hello Guv’nor), Ben Maher (Diva II), Tim Stockdale (Fleur De L’Aube) and Olympic reserve combination Jess Mendoza and Spirit T.

Michael had been selected with the 14-year-old gelding Viking V, his team gold medal-winning ride at the 2013 European Championships.

Don’t miss the full in-depth reports from the Royal International Horse Show in next week’s issue of Horse & Hound, out Thursday 4 August, and online at horseandhound.co.uk

Britain fourth in Aachen Nations Cup: ‘It’s a good result for us against Olympic teams’

Pippa Roome — Thu, 14 Jul 2016 21:38:34 +0000

Britain finished fourth in the Mercedes-Benz Nations Cup in Aachen tonight (Thursday, 14 July).

“It’s a good result for us as everyone else had their Olympic team here,” said Guy Williams, who jumped a second round clear on his own and Charlotte Baines’ Titus.

While most nations fielded some Olympic riders and horses, Britain had just one Rio rider (Michael Whitaker) here and none of the equine stars headed to the Games, so this was a strong result.

Scott Brash was the team’s leading player with a double clear on the Harris’ and Kirkhams’ Hello Guv’nor.

Every rider contributed to the result. Nigel Coupe had just a foot in the water in the first round with Susan Simmons’ Golvers Hill, although he was the discard score in round two after knocking the second part of the double at five and the final upright at 12, as well as incurring a time-fault.

Michael Whitaker steered his wife Melissa Braybrooke’s Viking to a fault-free performance in round one and had the last part of the treble at eight down in the final barrage.

Guy recorded the discard score in round one with eight faults — the first part of the double down and a foot in the water.

“He felt better in the second round — but I rode better in the second round,” he said candidly.

Michael added: “Scott was excellent and Guy’s second round was very good, while Nigel’s first round was strong too. The three teams that beat us were all top teams.”

Germany won the class on a zero score. Once Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum had secured the home nation’s third clear in round two on the big-jumping Fibonacci 17, it was up to the final US rider to jump clear and force a jump-off for the honours. But Beezie Madden and Cortes ‘C’ splashed into the water to give Germany the win and leave the USA equal second.

Germany’s other riders were Christian Ahlmann, who had four faults and a clear on Epleaser Van’t Heike, Marcus Ehning (double clear on Pret A Tout) and Ludger Beerbaum (also fault-free on Casello). This was the home side’s first win in the Aachen Nations Cup since 2008.

“We’ve tried a couple of times to win and it’s never worked out, and this year it worked out and the performances were really good,” said Ludger. “This wasn’t just a win but one of the best wins.”

France shared second with the US, led by double clears from Pénélope Leprovost (Ratina D’La Rousserie) and Roger Yves Bost (Qoud’Coeur De La Loge).

Michael Whitaker’s showjumping star to retire

Hannah Lemieux — Fri, 08 Jul 2016 10:15:31 +0000

Michael Whitaker has retired his former top ride Amai at the age of 16.

The gelding enjoyed considerable success under Michael, topped by winning the prestigious Aachen grand prix in 2012 — considered one of the toughest classes around the world. They also made numerous Nations Cup appearances together and were members of the winning British team at Hickstead in 2010 and Dublin in 2011.

The partnership was also part of the team at the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Kentucky and enjoyed World Cup triumphs in Verona in 2009 and London in 2010. Since 2007, the pair had been jumping at five-star level on the international circiuit.

The son of Nonstop is owned jointly by Michael and Beatrice Mertens and he will live out his retirement in the field at Michael’s Nottinghamshire yard.

Standing at 17hh, the big gelding always had presence and Michael described him in the past as “very sharp” and “intelligent”. Michael found the Belgian warmblood through his friend François Mathy in Belgium.

In 2011, Amai injured himself while competing at Rotterdam and was forced to have nine months on the sidelines. This meant the pair missed out on competing at the 2011 European Championships. However, he made an impressive comeback from injury to go on and win the grand prix in Aachen in 2012.

Meanwhile, the 56-year-old showjumper is preparing for this summer’s Rio Olympics. It was confirmed on Tuesday (5 July) that Michael — alongside brother John — will be riding on the British team. He will partner the 11-year-old grey stallion Cassionato, who he rode at last year’s European Championships.

Joining Michael and John (Ornellaia) will be Nick Skelton (Big Star) and Ben Maher (Tic Tac), while 20-year-old Jessica Mendoza has been named as the travelling reserve with her European Championships mount Spirit T.

British showjumping team revealed for Rio Olympics

Hannah Lemieux — Tue, 05 Jul 2016 10:10:32 +0000

The British showjumping team for the Rio Olympics has been announced today (5 July).

An experienced, all-male quartet of Nick Skelton, Michael and John Whitaker and Ben Maher will be gunning for gold in Rio in just five weeks time. While the travelling reserve combination is Jessica Mendoza (Spirit T).

It may be a team that lacks some youth, but it is one that certainly doesn’t lack plenty of championship experience — with the trio of Nick, Michael and John having ridden on teams together over the past decades. Rio will be Ben’s third Olympic Games and the 33-year-old is proven when riding under pressure.

For Nick Skelton’s Big Star, it is an almighty comeback from injury for the 13-year-old stallion. The pair is the only team members to have also been a part of the gold medal-winning British team at London 2012.

They recently produced one of just eight double clears when representing Great Britain at the Nations Cup in La Baule (12-15 May). It was their first major show since finishing third the Global Champions Tour grand prix of Estoril in 2014.

Michael Whitaker and the enigmatic stallion Cassionato were part of the British team at last summer’s European Championships, where the team’s fourth place secured the Brits an Olympic qualification. They were also part of the recent winning Nations Cup team in Rome.

Brother John will also be heading to Rio with the talented, yet inexperienced, mare Ornellaia. The daughter of For Pleasure has been on great form of late and undeniably has the best man in the plate for her debut Olympic Games.

Ben Maher only started riding his Olympic mount Tic Tac in January this year, but they seem to have formed a solid partnership already and have performed well during their Nations Cup appearances this year.

Continued below…

Find out who made the other British Olympic equestrian teams:

British riders announced for Rio Olympics dressage team

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The youngest of the British squad, 20-year-old Jessica Mendoza has been named as travelling reserve with her European Championships mount Spirit T.

It will no doubt be a big disappointment for Joe Clee, who has missed out on a team place with Utamaro D’Ecaussines. The 12-year-old stallion was a consistent horse for team GBR at the European Championships in Aachen, however an off-par performance at the Nations Cup in Rotterdam seem to have hampered their chances of making the Rio team.

The four combinations on the Olympic showjumping team:

Nick Skelton and the 13-year-old stallion Big Star
Ben Maher and the 13-year-old stallion Tic Tac
Michael Whitaker and the 11-year-old stallion Cassionato
John Whitaker and the 11-year-old mare Ornellaia

Reserve:

Jessica Mendoza and the 15-year-old mare Spirit T

Don’t miss H&H’s Olympic preview issue (28 July) or our form guide (4 August), with details of every runner and rider, plus score cards to fill in. Our Rio eventing report is published on 12 August — the magazine will come out on Friday rather than Thursday that week to tie in with Olympic competition schedules.

British showjumpers seal Nations Cup victory in Rome

Hannah Lemieux — Mon, 30 May 2016 17:00:39 +0000

The British team clinched victory in Rome for the second year running at the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup.

Performance manager Di Lampard’s team comprising John Whitaker (Ornellaia), Ben Maher (Tic Tac), Jessica Mendoza and her mare Spirit T and Michael Whitaker and Cassionato finished on a four-fault score after two rounds.

France and the USA settled for the runner-up spot, with both nations completing on 12 faults.

Exemplifying why at 60 years old he is still at the top of the sport, John’s second-round clear sealed the result even though he and Ornellaia had one fence in hand.

“This was Ornellaia’s first Nations Cup and she showed what she can do. She has done some good things already,” said John. “She’s really careful and she’s the one for Rio if I am needed. I’m definitely keen to go — the Olympics are the Olympics and there’s nothing like them.

“I don’t feel the pressure any more, I’ve done everything I’ve ever wanted to do so now I just go out and enjoy myself — I’ve got nothing to prove,” added John, who also confirmed Argento won’t be available for Rio selection.

“Argento is a great horse, he’s a real fighter but he has his limits and I don’t want to push him beyond them,” he explained.

Michael’s enigmatic Cassionato was “a bit too fresh” in the first round and was the team’s discount score with nine faults. However, the pair pulled it back in the second round with a foot-perfect display that was pivotal to the end result.

The quartet’s win in Rome will certainly be food for thought for Di ahead of the Rio Olympics — perhaps making the team selection all the more difficult. “It’s a really good problem to have,” she said following the triumph.

Ben Maher was pleased with his new ride Tic Tac. They left all the poles up in the first round but, along with Jessica Mendoza, made minor errors in the second round. Ben knocking two fences and Jessica having one down.

“I started riding Tic Tac in January — I’m still getting to know him but he has a lot of experience and I’m looking forward to the future with him,” said Ben.

One British showjumper qualifies for World Cup final

Pippa Roome — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 08:01:09 +0000

Britain will have one rider at the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Final in Gothenburg in March after Laura Renwick secured her spot with a strong performance in the final qualifier tonight (6 February) in Bordeaux, France.

Laura and Bintang II (pictured top) were among 17 pairs who jumped clear in the first round over Uliano Vezzani’s track. They were second in for the jump-off and put in a tight clear to stop the clock in 42.35 seconds, which eventually left them sixth.

“To do a double clear in this class is fantastic, although it’s a shame there were so many clears — my horse is really careful and scopey, but he’s not the fastest,” said Laura.

Nonetheless, the points she gained for sixth were valuable and 13th place in the Western European League rankings guarantees Laura a spot at the Gothenburg showdown.

Michael Whitaker and Scott Brash were also within reach of qualification going into this class, but neither of them were able to add significantly to their points tally and they finished up out of the qualification zone.

Michael went clear in the first round on his Olympia grand prix winner Viking, but had down both parts of the double at fence nine in the jump-off. Scott and Hello Forever hit the yellow planks at fence seven in the first round.

For Ireland, Denis Lynch started the night in a strong position and he took fifth place in the qualifier with All Star 5 to secure his place at the World Cup final. Bertram Allen — third in last year’s final — started the night well down the rankings, so he would have needed a top placing tonight to shoot up the list and qualify. But when Molly Malone V knocked the first part of the treble at six in the first round, it was certain he would not be able to contest the final.

The class was won by the home side’s Kevin Staut (Haras Des Coudrettes’ Reveur De Hurtebise HDC), who was the only person to record a sub 40-second clear in the jump-off.

“Last season wasn’t really good, so I’m very happy to start 2016 with this win, especially in France with all my team here and the owners who have always been behind me,” he said.

Simon Delestre made it a one-two for France by taking the runner-up spot on Qlassic Bois Margot, while Australia’s Edwina Tops-Alexander squeaked into the final by lifting third place on Caretina De Joter.

“My plan was to keep everything fast and smooth,” said Edwina. “My horse spends a lot of time in the air so that’s where we lost time, but I’m very happy with her.”

Full report from Bordeaux in Horse & Hound next week (11 February).

Olympic medallists head the entries for new Liverpool show

Caroline Bankes — Sun, 27 Dec 2015 07:35:35 +0000

British riders John and Michael Whitaker and Olympic gold medallist Peter Charles lead the entry for the inaugural Equestrian.com Liverpool International Horse Show on 1-3 January.

The new four-star show will be held at the Echo Arena in the Albert Dock area of the city.

“We want to bring equestrian sport to the heart of the city. We see this as our Olympic legacy. I watched the equestrian events in the heart of London at the 2012 Olympics and I wanted to bring that kind of world class sport to the north west of England,” said organiser Nina Barbour of Bolesworth International.

Riders will be competing for a prize fund of £160,000 over the three days.

The British entry also includes Laura Renwick, Guy Williams, William Funnell, Robert Whitaker and William Whitaker.

The 2015 Bolesworth International grand prix champion Yazmin Pinchen is also heading to Liverpool.

There is a strong Irish challenge led by Billy Twomey and the Breen brothers, Shane and Trevor.

“My horses are all on form, and my aim next year is to get back into the top 30 in the FEI rankings. Liverpool has six world-ranking classes, so it’s important that I perform well,” said Billy.

Former Aachen grand prix champion Denis Lynch, Cameron Hanley and Dermott Lennon complete the Irish contingent.

Overseas entries include rising Italian force Emanuele Gaudiano, America’s Lucy Davies, exciting Belgian prospect Constant van Paesschen, Sweden’s Peder Fredricson, Norway’s Geir Gulliksen and Dutch rider Johnny Pals.

The show opens on 1 January with two sessions per day culminating in the Liverpool International Grand Prix on 3 January.

Each session has a performance from the ‘Bootleg Beetles’, stunt rider Clemence Faivre and features the Shetland Grand National.

Tickets start at £21.25 for adults, £16.70 for children. For more details visit www.liverpoolhorseshow.com

Olympia grand prix drama: Bertram Allen’s appeal rejected

Amy Mathieson — Tue, 22 Dec 2015 10:19:52 +0000

Michael Whitaker and Viking remain the winners of the Olympia grand prix, after an appeal by the connections of Quiet Easy 4 was dismissed.

In a dramatic conclusion to the class last night (Monday, 21 December) Bertram Allen and Quiet Easy, owned by Quainton Stud, were disqualified after blood was found on the horse’s offside flank.

Pic @RTEsport @TheIrishFieldHW pic.twitter.com/hgbEMd7BY4Pic @RTEsport @TheIrishFieldHW pic.twitter.com/hgbEMd7BY4— Brendan McArdle (@McArdleBrendan) December 21, 2015— Brendan McArdle (@McArdleBrendan) December 21, 2015

The chestnut sped round in 30.45sec for the 20-year-old Irish rider.

Under FEI rules elimination is mandatory for blood on the flank.

The combination was disqualified by the ground jury under article 242.3.1 of the FEI jumping rules.

The blood was found by the FEI steward tasked with the mandatory post-competition boot and bandage control

Mhairi Alexander, who had been appointed by Bertram and Emma Phillips of Quainton Stud to speak on their behalf, lodged an appeal.

However, after hearing from the ground jury, the FEI steward and the appointed representative of the rider, the appeal committee upheld the decision of the ground jury that Bertram was correctly disqualified.

Michael and Viking were left to collect the spoils, finishing on 32.05s.

Bertram said he was “utterly devastated” to have been disqualified.

“I’m just speechless,” he said. “I have a fantastic relationship with all of my horses and their welfare is paramount. My foot must have slipped against Quiet Easy’s side as I was riding against the clock. He’s a sensitive horse and it was just a tiny nick.”

Michael added that it was a “bittersweet victory”.

“This class belonged to Bertram — I was second. I saw his horse when he came out of the arena and could barely see a mark on him.”

A further controversy

It was the second controversy of the day at the London International Horse Show, after Norwegian rider Victoria Gulliksen was denied the number one spot and disqualified from the international six-bar competition.

She had entered the class when the rules had specifically stated that she could not do so and was only invited to take part in the puissance.

“Sadly there was a mistake, on my part, as I genuinely thought my national federation had received permission for me to enter the six-bar,” she said.

The ground jury of the show spotted the error but too late to take action.

For a full report on Olympia, don’t miss this week’s issue of H&H, out Thursday 24 December.

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On the subject of longevity, John says: “People ask me when I’m going to retire but as long as I’ve got a good horse and I’m capable of having a chance of winning, I’ll keep doing it. I’m 68 but I feel like I can do it, so I’m doing it.”

“It hasn’t been easy, we’ve worked hard for it,” says Michael.

“I’m working harder than ever,” says John. “Finding the next good horse has always been the challenge. Our father instilled in us never to give up and just keep trying. That’s what we’ve done.

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While he didn’t make it to the top of the sport, he succeeded in taking showjumping to a much wider audience.

“I was clearing out the loft the other day and found all the magazines and newspapers I was in – I kept everything and met so many people,” Oliver says.

“I eventually stopped riding about 12 years ago – I was running a stables and after a run-in with another con lady I decided to get away from it all.”

Since hanging up his boots, Oliver Skeete has done some acting, making an appearance in James Bond film Die Another Day, and now runs a removal company, occasionally riding a friend’s horses.

“So I’m not riding as such now – I still enjoy it though, that will never go.

“I took my daughter, who is now 37, riding in Barbados recently – she hadn’t ridden for ages and she loved it. Sometimes we sit and watch the old videos together, they loved it all. I think they’re very proud of their old man.”

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Describing the similarities between the equine mother and son, who is by Elvis Ter Putte, Jack said there was a lot to like. He took the reins on Negredo 18 months ago from his father, who had produced him through young horse classes.

“He [Negredo] looks like Portfofino with a similar way of going,” he revealed, although he is “not the fastest” and patience has been key.

“The jump’s always been there but he’s a bit funny in his mouth. We keep it simple; concentration isn’t his strong point, but he’s improving,” added Jack.

The home-bred stallion carries the famous De Muze suffix from the stud where he was born, with Joris De Brabander and Michael Whitaker listed as his joint-breeders.

“It proved difficult to get embryos from Portofino so she went to specialised, experienced hands – Negredo was actually born in Belgium,” explained Jack.

The pair won Onley’s grand prix after a 13-way jump-off and Jack followed his father’s advice which was: “It’s gone 9pm, give it your best shot and don’t fanny about!”

“The double was on a dog-leg. I took the wider option for six strides, but you had to be positive to jump out,” said Jack.

Taking second in the class behind Jack was Louise Saywell riding Kingsborough Kasper, just ahead of Joe Fernyhough with Lejoor.

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