Latest from Horse & Hound in Robert-whitaker

‘He’s incredible’: Whitaker makes Hickstead history with third King George win

Eleanor Jones — Sun, 26 Jul 2026 17:40:23 +0000

Robert Whitaker and Equine America Vermento have made history at Hickstead as the first combination to win the Al Shira’aa King George V Gold Cup three times for over half a century.

Not since the mighty Harry Llewellyn and Foxhunter lifted the trophy in 1948, 1950 and 1953 had the same horse and rider won this five-star grand prix three times, but the 2023 and 2025 champions were victorious again this year.

Robert and Stephen and Caroline Blatchford’s 13-year-old Argento stallion jumped the faster of only two double clears to finish ahead of Brazil’s Stephanie Maciera and Novak De Kalvarie, and Canadian Nicole Walker and Panter JVH third.

“I got a bit emotional,” Robert said. “To win this with him three times – he’s amazing. Amazing.”

Only five combinations of 49 starters had conquered Kelvin Bywater’s first-round track, of whom Robert and Vermento were the first. They gave what could have been an exhibition round in this arena they know so well, and although Robert said he thought there would be more clears, rider after rider was caught out. Faults came all over the course, although the double of ditches and the white gates caught plenty out, and seven riders retired.

Robert and Vermento were first to go in the jump-off and again showed just why they have been such a success in this class, from their big open shot to the first oxer to a cracking turn to the two remaining elements of the combination to a perfect angled gallop round the open water to the last.

(Image credit: Boots and Hooves Photography)

Next in was Nicole and her own 11-year-old stallion. They were fast and forward from before the start line, each turn a shade tighter, and they were up on the clock until that turn by the water. The slightest of slips behind – and heartbreakingly, the last rail landed on the turf.

Stephanie and Bonne Chance Farm’s 13-year-old jumped a beautiful polished clear a shade slower than Robert, then Jack Whitaker and Candice Reilly’s brilliant Jack JL had two down. Last to go, Jessica Mendoza and Summerhouse were looking on super form but the third fence fell late, and they went on to have three more fences down.

“To win it three times is incredible,” Robert said. “He jumped so good in the first round, and in the jump-off I was obviously first to go. I know this ring is very big and open, and it’s easy to knock one down, so I just wanted to do a good, safe round, and it paid off.

“He’s jumped here since he was a young horse and knows this ring inside out, and I think that really helps. There are so many elements on this course; the double of ditches, the water, the double of gates causes problems, and when you can jump those comfortably, it makes the rest of the course easy. I can ride to those fences knowing he can do it, and that makes a huge difference.”

Robert said his jump-off round was not as fast as he might have hoped.

“But it’s a big ring and easy to have one down, and that saved us in the end,” he said. “He’s unbelievable. He’s made history.”

A victory dunking! Robert Whitaker cleared the water in the class, but went into it later (Image credit: Boots and Hooves Photography)

Stephanie was very pleased with her first trip to the All England Jumping Course; she and Novak De Kalvarie had also jumped two four-fault rounds to help Brazil to finish just off the podium in the Nations Cup, and this was their best CSI5* grand prix result to date.

“It was my first time here, and we did a great Nations Cup,” she said. “Me and this horse are stepping up to this level; we started doing five-stars this year, and he’s getting better and better.

“I’m very pleased with him, very happy, and I really like the show and the atmosphere, and so different. I’m very happy with second place.”

Nicole and Panter are also relatively new to this level and this was again their best grand prix result, as well as their first European five-star grand prix.

“It’s incredible to be part of the Whitaker history,” said Nicole, as thanks to Donald’s 2024 win with Millfield Collette, the King George V Gold Cup has not been out of Whitaker hands since 2022. “To be third to them is amazing, I’ll take that!”

Nicole said the slight slip was unlucky, adding: “Sometimes you get lucky and sometimes you have slips but the footing here is great. My horse made an amazing effort and I’m so proud of him. I ended up doing one more stride [to the last] but I’m so happy with him and our third place. I’ve had him four years and we’ve grown together, which is really nice.”

An amazing week

Nicole paid tribute to the support she had from chef d’equipe “Captain Canada” Ian Millar, who was last at Hickstead as a rider 44 years ago, and her coach Gerry Mullins, who knows the ring inside out.

“It’s been an amazing week,” she said. “The team is so supportive of each other, it’s great to be back here after 44 years, and it’s such an iconic special venue. It really was an honour to be here, and so much fun and a great experience for all of us.”

Robert, who thanked his “fantastic” owners for all their support, joins his father John as a three-time winner of the King George V Gold Cup – but his uncle Michael is still ahead.

“Michael said he’s won it four times – so I’ll have to win it again, won’t I!” he said.

Hickstead director Edward Bunn joked that the man who engraves all the venue’s major trophies thinks it is only Whitakers who compete here.

“It was a fantastic sport,” he said. “Five clear rounds, 15 four-faulters. That’s also testament to the course-building team led by Kelvin and Ben [Townley] to produce world-class sport, and I don’t think you’ll see anything better. Thank you, and we’ll see you all again next year.”

To stay up to date with the latest news from the Royal International Horse Show subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

‘Enjoy your retirement, you wonderful horse’: Hickstead Derby hero bows out to spend golden years with his old friends

Eleanor Jones — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 16:27:50 +0000

Robert Whitaker’s Hickstead Derby-winning hero Equine America Gentlemen VH Veldhof has retired aged 20 – to spend the rest of his life with old friends.

Robert, who triumphed with Caroline Blatchford’s superstar in 2025, paid tribute to his incredible career as it came to an end on a high.

“Gentlemen, thank you,” he said. “This special horse has done so many incredible things for so many people, including myself, Stephen and Caroline [Blatchford] – the highlight of those winning the 2025 Hickstead Derby.

“Gentlemen, you are a superstar and owe us nothing, go and enjoy your retirement, you wonderful horse.”

Robert took the ride on the Quite Easy stallion, previously ridden by Tim Gredley and with whom David Simpson won the Queen Elizabeth II Cup, in late 2024.

“It sounds madness to buy a horse at 18!” Mrs Blatchford told H&H. “But Rob knew Gentlemen had been around the Derby before and done quite well. He said right at the beginning, ‘I think I could win the Derby on Gentlemen,’ and we all looked at him like he was a bit mad.”

Gent and Robert were flying from the start; winning a six-bar at their first show, and they went on to other wins and good placings at top level.

“They clicked immediately,” Mrs Blatchford said. “When we get a new horse, we don’t expect anything particularly for the first few months while they settle and get to know each other but that wasn’t the case with Gentlemen.”

Gentlemen VH Veldhof: that Derby win

Mrs Blatchford said it was “wonderful” to watch her horse win the Derby, and that it felt as if the whole crowd was willing he and Rob on.

“Then in the prize-giving they put that gorgeous wreath round the horse’s neck and the pair of them looked so proud. I’ve never seen Rob look happier.”

Mrs Blatchford said the decision was taken to retire Gent on a high and keep him on livery, but the first rider who competed him internationally, Belgian Koen de Waele, stepped up.

“Rob said he was Gentlemen’s biggest fan,” she said. “He immediately said, ‘I want him to come home.’ He’d been following him; every time he jumped within a couple of hours, he’d travel to see him.

“He’s made an impact on a lot of people and he’s going to live out his days in comfort.”

Koen told H&H he took Gentlemen VH Veldhof on as a six-year-old – and there were some challenges at first.

“Everything was there, but he was a handful; a lot of work,” Koen said. “He was a good jumper but spooky. Not at the fences, they could have been on fire and he’d jump them, but everything else. It took me more than a year and a half to hack him in the woods, I fell off 1,000 times!

“He’d spook, turn back and I’d fall off. He never ran away but some rides, I fell off five times. But at a show, in the ring, he never let me down, ever. He was an abnormal horse.”

Koen said it took years of work but “one day he clicked, then he did everything”.

Tim Gredley (GBR) riding Gentlemen VH Veldhof during the Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby. (Image credit: Sport In Pictures/Alamy Live News)

“At eight, he jumped a grand prix, it was all so easy for him,” he said. “He was lucky when we sold him to go into good hands; first David Simpson then Tim Gredley.

“I have to thank Tim, who’s a real horseman, and he was such a gentleman to Robert when he let him have Gentlemen to back up Vermento. They did a great job with him, then with Robert, I don’t have to tell the story, and Robert took such good care of him too.”

Koen said Gent will spend most of his summer relaxing in the field, or in his stable if it gets too hot, then in winter he will enjoy outings to the beach, where Koen likes to ride his horses. He added that he said immediately he would like to have Gent back when he heard he was to retire.

“They didn’t over-use him; he’s retiring sound, which gives me a lot of satisfaction,” he said. “He came straight to my stable from the plane and if you didn’t know, he looked like a three-year-old, fit and sound. It was good to see him back like that and he knew the place, he knew his stable. It was like he’d never left.”

Koen added that Gent will live with his old friend, another of his former competition rides.

“I went to a show last week and he wanted to go; he was waiting by the gate, like ‘I want to go too’,” he said. “It’s not the plan but he still would be able to. Now he can be with his old buddy, who he grew up with. I’m very happy to keep him and have him retire at my place.”

Enjoyed reading this? For more expert training advice from top riders and coaches, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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!

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

Whitaker cements place among Hickstead greats with King George V glory

Sarah Radford — Sun, 27 Jul 2025 18:56:19 +0000

Robert Whitaker joined an elite group of riders to have lifted both the Derby and the Al Shira’aa King George V gold cup in the same year when he retained his stranglehold on Hickstead’s classics with a masterful performance on Vermento.

Rob and Caroline Blatchford’s stallion have now seized this CSIO 5* grand prix at the Agria Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) twice in the past three years, while Rob also claimed this year’s Derby with Gentlemen VH Veldhof.

“I was really confident today and sometimes you have these rounds that don’t work but my round worked everywhere, every turn, every stride I got was at the right moment,” Rob said.

It was a strong week for Whitakers; Rob’s cousin James won the Queen’s Cup on Just Call Me Henry — who, like Vermento, is sired by John Whitaker’s Argento — and two of them remained in the running for this €54,500 grand prix, making up half the four-man jump-off field.

There was a lot of class on show from the Brits in the first round; five combinations missed out by just four faults — John Whitaker (Equine America Unique Du Francport), Matthew Sampson (Daniel), Jane Annett (Jywan), Mark Edwards (Dillinger) and Sammie-Jo Coffin, who had a foot in the water with the very consistent Chaccomo Blue.

But it was Rob’s cousin Donald, last year’s winner on Millfield Collette, who delivered the only other British clear, this time riding the 14-year-old gelding Di Caprio.

They were joined by Ireland’s Jordan Coyle (Chaccolino) and the UAEs Omar Abdul Aziz AL Marzooqi riding the exciting 11-year-old Enjoy De La Mure.

High-stakes jump off delivers drama

The jump-off round Kelvin Bywater and Ben Townley’s track was packed with drama, and demanded all the quality you’d expect for this historic class, whose solid gold trophy dates back to 1911.

First out Jordan and the 14-year-old Chacco Blue x Heartbreaker gelding attacked the course in a lovely open rhythm to set a worthy benchmark in 40.17sec.

“I don’t think I could have done anything differently, unfortunately!” said Jordan, who finished thirf. “I probably couldn’t have gone faster or had that round again, even if I had another 20 attempts at it. The horse has been amazing recently, for the past six months he’s been clear every round he’s jumped but he’s just not the fastest.”

Luck wasn’t shining on next-in Donald this year, his brilliant start on Di Caprio was quashed at the double, when the gelding pecked on landing jumping in and had to be pulled out of the second part.

It left the door open for Rob, who executed a scything line round the water to the closing oxer to axe 1.29sec off Jordan’s time.

“I watched Jordan’s round and I didn’t really need to see anything after that, he did all the distances that I thought I was going to do and I knew I needed to be a bit similar to him,” Rob said. “Vermento is a big horse, but somehow he’s actually quite fast. I’ve been fast indoors with him as well, when you’d think he wouldn’t be, I think he’s just quick across the ground.”

But there was still one more rider, Omar, between Rob and glory and the UAE’s Al-Shira’aa-backed team, trained by William Funnell, are a growing force on the international stage.

His round on the world-class Enjoy De La Mure was up on the clock, until he opted to take a check at the final oxer, crossing the line 0.86sec behind.

“To be honest, in the jump-off I just wanted to be clear because I’ve been unlucky the past couple of jump0offs and speed classes and I had the last fence twice in the Nations Cup,” he said. “Classes like this give you confidence and I will definitely be back for more.”

Rob’s performance ranks among the elite

Only three other — legendary — combinations have matched Rob’s performance in winning the Derby and King’s Cup in the same year. The first were while the events were at different venues: David Broome with Mr Softee in 1966 and Harvey Smith with Mattie Brown in 1970.

The only rider to manage the feat after both events moved to Hickstead in 1992 was Rob’s uncle Michael, who landed them that year with Monsanta and Midnight Madness.

“He’s good, him!” Rob quipped.

Rob’s double King George victories are now also close to rivalling his father John’s three triumphs in the class: with Ryan’s Son in 1986, Milton in 1990 and Welham in 1997.

“I don’t think he’ll be giving me any other horses to ride now!” Rob added.

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

You may also be interested in:

(Image credit: Elli Birch)

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

(Image credit: Elli Birch)

Back on top: Whitaker secures spectacular second Queen’s Cup victory

(Image credit: Elli Birch)

‘The future is bright!’ Britain just pipped by Germany in fabulous Hickstead Nations Cup

(Image credit: Elli Birch)

From outsider to RIHS champion: Hickstead debutante claims surprise win on pony ‘never meant for showjumping’

(Image credit: Elli Birch)

‘A great team, with great team spirit’: British showjumpers win superb silver medal at European Championships

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Anything Dad can do…! Young Whitakers win at Hickstead days after Robert’s Derby triumph

Eleanor Jones — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 14:20:19 +0000

Anything Dad can do, we can do better!

Robert Whitaker’s young daughters must have thought something of this type, as they secured a win in the International Arena at Hickstead days after he did.

Robert won his first Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby title on 22 June, and on 27 June, Evie Whitaker, 12, and her nine-year-old sister Millie were on the team that won the junior schools team title at the Hurst College National Schools Jumping Championships. The Burgess Hill Girls team fielded only three combinations so had no drop score but Evie (Little Impressario), Millie (Barleyfields Button) and 13-year-old Scarlett Zakihani (Raindancer III) jumped a clear round each to win, ahead of St Hugh’s Oxfordshire in second and Hurst Red third.

“We weren’t really expecting it, but it’s just cool to win in the main ring at Hickstead,” said Evie, who will be back in the ring for the 128cm final at the Agria Royal International Horse Show (22-27 July).

Scarlett, who has only had her pony for a couple of months, added: “This is the first time we’ve been together as a team, and there’s only three of us and most people had four.”

The junior individual title went to nine-year-old Harlow Wiek and Merlin, of Borough Primary Green.

“He’s the best pony in the world, and I’m so happy we qualified for the main arena,” said Harlow.

Pangbourne College – Olivia Carter (Sonic), Maisie Stephenson (Jolene), Sophie Simpson (Lola) and Connie Mumby (Sugar Rush) – won the senior team title, and the senior individual title went to Freddie Hodges and Muze VD Withoeve, of Leventhorpe School.

The Hickstead Elite 1.10m NSEA individual championship, went to 17-year-old Felsted pupil Amelia Keen and Fork Lightning, for the second year running.

“I’m so happy that she proved it wasn’t just a one-off last year, and she could actually do it again this year, I’m very proud of her,” said Amelia.

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

You may also be interested in:

(Image credit: Julian Portch)

‘I’ve been watching this since I was a kid’: Whitaker thrilled to win first Hickstead Derby, with 19-year-old superstar

(Image credit: Julian Portch)

Lightning quick pair win and John Whitaker jumps alongside his granddaughter in London: ‘Forget the Olympics, this is serious pressure’

(Image credit: Julian Portch)

Two generations of Whitakers – with a 58-year age gap – win on same day

(Image credit: Julian Portch)

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

(Image credit: Julian Portch)

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

‘I’ve been watching this since I was a kid’: Whitaker thrilled to win first Hickstead Derby, with 19-year-old superstar

Eleanor Jones — Sun, 22 Jun 2025 18:30:33 +0000

There is a new name – at least a new first name – on the Boomerang Trophy, as Robert Whitaker triumphed in the Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby for the first time, after a three-strong jump-off.

Robert and 19-year-old Gentlemen VH Veldhof jumped the fastest of three four-fault second rounds to finish just ahead of William Whitaker and Flamboyant III, and Sammie Jo Coffin on Chaccomo Blue in third.

Robert’s father John and uncle Michael have each won the Derby four times, and his cousin William once, but Robert had been unlucky – until now.

“I’ve tried to win a few times, but never really had the right horse,” he said. “I’ve gone round for four faults before, but years ago. Gentlemen has done it a few times; he was unlucky last year, and has been on great form, so I really knew he had a good chance. And he pulled it off.”

The Derby is a class often won in the first round and clears are hard to come by so some of the crowd may have been taken by surprise by Sammie Jo and the 15-year-old she owns with Brian O’Malley, who were first into the ring and flew round without a fault. This must be easy, any newcomers to the class may have thought, as the pair’s polished professional performance looked effortless.

But Sammie Jo then had no doubt a nail-biting wait as the next 18 combinations could not match her; her nearest contenders were on eight faults and seven had been eliminated or retired before Robert came in. Those who did not complete included Michael Whitaker, who had been eyeing a fifth Derby title with D&H Q Paravatti N, and was making it look easy, but then was unseated when the 13-year-old mare couldn’t quite get to the fence at the foot of the bank and stopped.

Robert and Caroline Blatchford’s stallion had confirmed a jump-off; there was some whistling heard from the sidelines as they approached the last fairly close to the 180secs allowed but they finished well within, on 176.93.

Winner. Robert Whitaker (GBR) and Gentleman VH Veldhof in The Al Shira'aa Hickstead Derby at The Al Shira'aa Hickstead Derby Meeting, The All England Jumping Course, Hickstead, Sussex, United Kingdom. June 22nd 2025 (Image credit: Elli Birch/Bootsandhooves)

But those hoping last year’s winners William Funnell and Dublon would feature in the jump-off, and be in contention for a sixth title, were disappointed when the course specialists fell foul of the Devil’s Dyke and the Derby rails, and tipped the last oxer to finish on 12 faults. But William and Victoria Smith’s 15-year-old, who finished second in the 2024 Derby, went round like the pros they are to complete the second-round line-up.

There was heartbreak for last year’s third-placed combination, Carlos Mota Ribas and Juan Van’T Arkelhof; the Brazilian rider lost a stirrup before the cream oxer at 14 and had it down, finishing on eight faults, and for 2022 winner Shane Breen. Shane and Fanfan De Beaufour had jumped a copybook clear – but as they approached the final fence, there were shouts rather than whistles – to no avail as they finished two seconds over the time allowed.

So a jump-off it was, and Sammie Jo was in first. The huge-jumping Irish-bred grey was showing all his power and scope but drifted slightly to the right, and went slightly too high, over the white rails at fence two, bringing one down with him. They held on after that to finish in fine style – Sammie managing to survive a lost stirrup over the Derby rails to finish on just the four, in 96.07sec.

Meaning business

Next in was Robert and Gentlemen, who meant business from the start; no whistles were going to be needed from the crowd this time. They cleared the white rails and the black gate almost on one long smooth turn, and got a great shot to the privet hedge and Devil’s Dyke.

It was the Derby rails that caught them out but they flew home from there, finishing nearly eight seconds ahead on 88.33sec.

So as far as can be said of such a difficult class, the title was there to be won. William and Flamboyant were also not there to hang around, their turn from the white rails to the gate as good as Robert’s. They flew the wall, conquered the dyke and accelerated, coming to the last line with the trophy in their sights.

But again, as happened for them last year, the top rail of the second part of the double of gates swung, and hit the famous turf, and it was all over. They finished just behind Robert and Gentlemen, on 89.75sec, for a second second in a row.

“It was fed back to me that Robert had done a really good round, and I knew it was going to be a bit risky for me to go slow and try to just jump clear,” William said. “I thought I had to come with a bit of pace to try to keep near Rob’s time so if I did have a fence early, I could give myself another chance. But I wasn’t too far away in the end.

“He jumped the water great and kept going to the rails; he’s quite a blood horse, for a big horse, and I struggled to slow him down. He jumped so big into the double, he got under it, and tried his best but just chipped the back bar. Then I just went on the first one I saw for the last and unfortunately for me, was just a bit slow. But I was delighted with the way he jumped.”

Delighted for Robert

William added that huge credit goes to the Smiths, who keep Flamboyant going; he had not ridden him between last year’s class and Wednesday (18 June).

“I’m delighted with the way he jumped in the first round; he gave me an amazing feeling,” he said. “It’s a pity but I’m absolutely delighted for Rob.”

Sammie Jo, who has now been the leading lady in the class three years running, finishing seventh twice and now third, was delighted with Chaccomo Blue.

“He gave me everything,” she said. “He was a bit more rideable; I’m usually out of control! But he was great. We normally struggle with the dyke, but this year, he was really good.”

Asked if she would be back for another try, she said: “I hope so! He does seem to love the class, and he’s a big old scopey chap; hopefully we’ll give it a go.”

Robert said he took Gentlemen on from Tim Gredley at the back end of last year, as he was short of top horses – and that the Derby was always in his mind.

History – not rivalry

“I always thought he could win this class,” he said. “I had a good feeling about him. He’s been round it a few times so I just had to get on and he did his job, I’m thrilled with him.

“I think there’s a bit of history now; my dad and Michael have won it, and William and now I have – it’s history, not rivalry.

“To win this – I’ve been watching it for years, ever since I was a kid. You just need the right horse, and Gentlemen was the right one.”

Hickstead director Edward Bunn paid tribute to all involved.

“What a fantastic class,” he said. “Sammy was brilliant from the front, Rob put his marker down, and Will was a very close second. It’s what showjumping needs; thrilling competition.

“The crowd enjoyed it, hopefully, the audience on television or the live stream enjoyed it. From the Bunn family, again thank you to Al Shira’aa – and thank you to these guys for putting on such a wonderful spectacle.”

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

Olympic heroes and rising stars named as first European entries list confirmed

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 16:21:35 +0000

Two of Britain’s Olympic 2024 gold medal-winning riders, and one of the horses, are on the list of nominated entries for the British European Showjumping Championships team.

Ben Maher and Dallas Vegas Batilly, who jumped clear in Versailles last year, are among the 10 combinations whose names will be submitted to the FEI for the event in Spain next month.

They are joined by Scott Brash, whose clear with Hello Jefferson secured that team gold, but who is named here with two other horses, and the Paris reserve rider Joe Stockdale, also with another horse.

Up-and-coming star Matt Sampson is included; it will be Matt’s championship debut if he starts in A Coruña, and a senior championship debut for Jessica Mendoza and Donald and Robert Whitaker, if they are selected for the final squad.

British European Showjumping Championships team, nominated entries

The full list of entries (in alphabetical order by rider surname) is:

Scott Brash with 10-year-old Hello Mango

Owners: Lady Pauline Harris and Lady Pauline Kirkham

Breeder: H P H Vaessen

Breeding: by Untouchable 27, out of a mare by Numero Uno

Scott Brash with 10-year-old Hello Folie

Owners: Lady Pauline Harris and Lady Pauline Kirkham

Breeder: Claire Gouin

Breeding: by Luidam, out of a mare by Diamant De Semilly

Ben Maher with 12-year-old Dallas Vegas Batilly

Owners: Charlotte Rossetter, Pamela Wright and rider

Breeder: Jean Claude Viollet

Breeding: by Cap Kennedy, out of a mare by L’Arc De Triomphe

Ben Maher with 11-year-old Enjeu de Grisien

Owners: Charlotte Rossetter, Pamela Wright and rider

Breeder: Elevage de Grisien

Breeding: by Toulon, out of a mare by Andiamo

Ben Maher with 11-year-old Point Break

Owners: Charlotte Rossetter, Pamela Wright and rider

Breeder: Nya Äppelvikens Ridskola

Breeding: by Action-Breaker, out of a mare by Baloubet Du Rouet

Jessica Mendoza with 12-year-old In The Air

Owner: rider

Breeder: C Den Boer

Breeding: by Air Jordan, out of a mare by Indoctro

Matthew Sampson with 13-year-old Medoc De Toxandria

Owners: Rachel Gredley, William Gredley and Unex Competition Yard

Breeder: Werner Dierckx

Breeding: by Der Senaat III, out of a mare by Kelvin De Sainte Hermelle,

Joseph Stockdale with 11-year-old Ebanking

Owners: Barbara Hester and Joe’s mother Laura Stockdale

Breeder: V Vriend

Breeding: by Etoulon, out of a mare by Aranebel

Donald Whitaker with 12-year-old Millfield Colette

Owners: Reitsportanlage Dagobertshausen GmbH and rider

Breeder: Sue Jaggar

Breeding: by Cornet Obolensky, out of a mare by Clearway

Robert Whitaker with 12-year-old Vermento

Owners: Caroline and Brian Stephen Blatchford

Breeders: John and Clare Whitaker

Breeding: by Argento, out of a mare by Skippy 12

A British Equestrian spokesperson said selection decisions are subject to athlete and horse maintaining fitness and performance. The squad of five combinations who will travel to A Coruña, plus non-travelling reserves, will be announced on or around 25 June.

“The funding that the British Equestrian World Class Programme receives from the National Lottery and UK Sport is pivotal in preparing our teams for senior championships and supporting them on the ground,” she said.

“British Equestrian is also extremely grateful for the support we enjoy from our partners – Agria, Bates Saddles, D&H, NAF, SEIB and Toggi – and team suppliers – Equi-Trek and Lotus Romeo. We’re indebted for the year-round support they provide to the World Class Programme and British teams, which helps us to best prepare for senior championships.”

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

Two generations of Whitakers – with a 58-year age gap – win on same day

Jennifer Donald — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 17:36:29 +0000

The Whitaker family were out in force last weekend, as 69-year-old John Whitaker landed a grand prix at Aintree on the same day his 11-year-old granddaughter Evie Whitaker earned her first 128cm winter qualifier.

Evie, the daughter of showjumpers Robert and Kate Whitaker, was competing at Morris Equestrian Centre’s small pony premier show in Ayrshire, Scotland, on her pony Barleyfields Button. She won the second of the show’s two 128cm winter qualifiers, jumping the faster of two treble clears to win by almost eight seconds.

“We’ve had the pony from a five-year-old and she’s seven now, so Evie has done everything with her from the start and they fit together like hand and glove,” said Kate, who made a 10-hour trip to the show from their base in Sussex.

“We thought it was time to try it, but we weren’t expecting to go three rounds. She jumped her first one on the Saturday and then on the Sunday managed to qualify.

“We had a chat before she went in and I said to her, ‘If the others beat you, they beat you, they are a lot more experienced, just keep it tidy and tight.’ I was dead proud of her.”

John Whitaker delivers a showjumping masterclass

Evie and her grandfather John Whitaker teamed up in the mini major at the London International Horse Show, finishing a very creditable sixth. Evie said that day that Granddad was “a bit slow”, but he was anything but in Aintree’s AW Jenkinson Forest Products winter grand prix.

The Olympic showjumping legend delivered a masterclass from last draw to snatch his first win of the year with 16-year-old Sharid. This was their first outing since London International Horse Show.

“It was a good course. It’s not easy to build a 1.40m when you’ve got good riders and good horses and get a good result, but it was good jumping,” he said.

John brought just two horses to the show, also giving Equine America Unick Du Francport, who has been off with an injury since September, his first jump back.

“Sharid is a bit more up to speed than ‘Frank’ because he jumped at London, so I just jumped Frank in some smaller classes,” he said.

Evie’s father, John’s son, Robert Whitaker was also in action that day, competing in the Longines FEI World Cup in Amsterdam with Vermento. Unfortunately four faults picked up in round one meant there was no chance of making it a family hat-trick spanning three generations, but with the Whitaker family in such flying form, it can’t be long before that dream becomes a reality.

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

Can we bottle this rider’s winning feeling? ‘A moment I’ll never forget’ and 19-year-old horse wins towering six-bar

Jennifer Donald — Mon, 20 Jan 2025 14:07:18 +0000

Much of this week’s international showjumping news centres around the sunnier climes of Florida, Abu Dhabi and Doha, but there was also an electric World Cup victory indoors in Leipzig, Germany.

Our favourite moments, however, were debutant grand prix winner Guido Grimaldi’s gleeful expression on his lap of honour, and we loved Gentlemen VH Veldhof rolling back the years to win a towering six-bar outright at the age of 19 with new rider Robert Whitaker.

Read on for this week’s international showjumping news round-up and results.

Showjumping news: “I did my max but Willem was just faster!”

First up in this week’s international showjumping news round-up, we head to Leipzig, Germany where Willem Greve and the mighty 13-year-old stallion Highway TN NOP won the Longines FEI World Cup.

Willem Greve and Highway TN NOP win the World Cup of Leipzig. Photo by FEI / Leanjo de Koster. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Surprisingly, despite his glittering career, this was actually the Dutch rider’s first World Cup success.

In a competitive 13-way jump-off over a tough track set by Frank Rothenberger, Willem carved out a significant advantage over his nearest rivals Simon Delestre (Dexter Fontenis Z) in second, with the in-form Hans-Dieter Dreher of Germany third on another 13-year-old, Elysium.

“Today we were smooth from the first to the last, everything went to plan and we nailed it,” said Willem, who has been riding Highway for six years. “I’m honoured to ride such a horse for Team Nijhof. He’s always searching for the first distance and I just have to follow him. Richie Skillen [Willem’s show groom] gives everything to the horses, so this is for him, the owners and for everyone who helps make my job very easy.”

Simon added, “I did my max today, but Willem was just faster!”

Cousins Donald and Robert Whitaker were the only Brits in contention, both faulting in round one with Millfield Colette and Vermento respectively. However Robert, who sits in third in the overall World Cup standings so far this season, enjoyed success the previous night when he and 19-year-old Gentlemen VH Veldhof won a towering six-bar outright as the only competitors to jump clear in the fifth and final round.

There was further appreciation for the equine golden oldies of the sport when the hugely popular 17-year-old Vitiki took the Championat of Leipzig for Brazilian showjumper Yuri Mansur.

Leipzig results

If only we could bottle this rider’s winning feeling

Guido Grimaldi’s ecstatic winning smile says it all (see main image above) after he won the CSI4*-W World Cup grand prix presented by Longines at the Al Shira’aa Show in Abu Dhabi. Riding the 14-year-old gelding Gentleman, the Italian rider produced the performance of his life to claim his first grand prix success.

“This is my first time here at the Al Shira’aa Show, and it’s a moment I will never forget,” he said. “To be on the podium with such fantastic sportsmen and athletes is an honour. And considering riding is not my full-time job, this is just like I’m living in a dream. I always try to do my best, and this is such a special night.

“From Monday to Wednesday last week, I was in Istanbul for business, so I have to thank Luiz Felipe Cortizo Gonçalves De Azevedo Filho for preparing the horses over the past few days. He’s been training me for many months, and I consider their team a second family. More than anyone, I have to thank my wife for always supporting me.”

Great Britain’s Lily Attwood and Karibou Horta secured a double of victories at the show, heading a 1.45m accumulator and a ranking class.

“This is my first time competing in the UAE, and I’m delighted with the win and placings from last week. It’s nice for them to have the sun on their backs and the facilities here are superb for horses, riders and grooms. Al Shira’aa has put on an amazing event, I hope to come back again next season,” said Lily.

Al Shira’aa Show results

Jessica Mendoza and In The Air win at WEF. (Image credit: Thierry Billet)

Showjumping news: “Mom Club” sees their “unique” horse win with Jessica Mendoza

A week after enjoying an African horseback safari, Jessica Mendoza returned for week two of the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) where she won the $32,000 CSI3* Adequan WEF Challenge Cup with a blitzing challenge riding In The Air.

“My horse is the most incredible horse to go in the ring on, let alone a jump-off,” she said of the 12-year-old Air Jordan mare. “She is the most unique horse I’ve had. You can’t jump her at home, she’s horse-shy, people-shy, but you go in the ring and she puts her blinkers on and all she wants to do is win. She’s all business.”

In The Air and her brother Summerhouse were found in the Netherlands where they were being produced by a young rider. A group of Jessica’s clients clubbed together to buy both horses for her to compete.

“All the moms of my clients got involved so we call it the ‘Mom Club’,” she revealed. “We had big plans for her and she’s exceeded them. I’m not sure where she’s going to go but I think she’ll go all the way.

“She has such a positive attitude. I take my time and plan everything for her. I don’t ride how I want to ride, I ride how she needs to be ridden. I think she really appreciates that. She’s so careful that doesn’t need to jump big at home; I train, work on her straightness and then she comes and does her job in the ring.”

WEF Week Two results

All-British podium

Finally in this week’s international showjumping news, we head to the Doha Tour in Qatar, where Portugal’s Duarte Seabra finished the week with CSI4* grand prix glory riding Dourados 2. But it was also a great week for Great Britain’s Millie Allen, who secured a winning double, including topping an all-British podium with Clearround IL Mondo Z on Friday ahead of Ellen Whitaker (Korlenski) and Scott Brash (Hello Folie).

“I have a really lovely team of horses at the moment, so to be able to go to such an excellent venue as Doha and get results like this is a great feeling,” said Millie.

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

Whitaker wins World Cup and ground control proves the key to Major Tom: ‘His mind was going 200mph’

Jennifer Donald — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 12:58:59 +0000

In this week’s international showjumping news round-up, British showjumper Robert Whitaker kick-starts his World Cup campaign with a scorching victory, and Team Ireland prove invincible in Spain. We also catch up with a speedy mare who lives up to her name “In The Air” while Rodrigo Pessoa reveals the secret to his coming-of-age success with superstar gelding Major Tom.

Read on for our weekly round-up of international showjumping news and results.

Showjumping news: Vermento goes full pelt in Helsinki

Robert Whitaker and the mighty stallion Vermento proved invincible in Helsinki, Finland, landing the Longines FEI World Cup qualifier after an action-packed 13-way decider.

The agile duo followed in the footsteps of a masterful performance by three-time World Cup Final victor Steve Guerdat with Is-Minka, who took an early lead clear in 37.56sec.

Robert and the 11-year-old Argento stallion, bred by his father John Whitaker and owned by Caroline and Stephen Blatchford, pivoted round the tightest bends on Jorge Guilherme’s track, flying home in 36.84sec to take the lead. Robert then had to endure an anxious wait as French rider Kevin Staut (Dialou Blue BS) looked to have gained the advantage with two nippy leaps through the double, but Kevin stopped the clock in 37.11sec for his third runner-up spot in a row.

“I prefer to be second three times than taking a risk and winning one time and then maybe having to miss the next competition,” Kevin said.

Robert, who last won the World Cup qualifier in Helsinki in 2019 with Catwalk IV, said Vermento had been “looking ahead to every fence”.

“Vermento was amazing,” he said. “I think our round yesterday helped him, when we had a fence down. He is a horse that doesn’t want to make mistakes, so I think that made him extra sharp today. He gave me the chance to guide him to victory.”

The previous day’s Helsinki Grand Trophy went the way of Swiss star Martin Fuchs riding L&L Upgrade. Martin also shared the six-bar spoils riding Commissar Pezi alongside Ireland’s Dierdre Reilly (Kafka VD Heffinck) and My Relander for Estonia on Ipsylon.

Helsinki International Horse Show results

Ireland top the podium in the CSIO3* Nations Cup on the Andalucia October Tour. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Irish team victory in Spain

The CSIO3* Nations Cup headlined this week’s action on the Andalucia October Tour in Spain where the Irish team triumphed from a mighty field of 18 countries. The quartet of Mikey Pender (HHS Los Angeles), Jason Foley on Jacksonville Eurohill, Seamus Hughes Kennedy with Esi Rocky and Cian O’Connor riding Iron Man completed on a two-round score of nine, streets ahead of nearest rivals Belgium and USA. Great Britain narrowly missed the cut for round two, finishing in ninth.

Mikey Pender had enjoyed a run of success at this week’s show while Cian O’Connor went on to finish second in the grand prix with Bentley De Sury to winner Mathieu Bourdeaud’Hui (Oscar The Homage).

Andalucia October Tour results

Rodrigo Pessoa and Major Tom land the World Cup qualifier in Washington. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Ground control proves the key to Major Tom with “newfound relaxation and maturity”

Finally in this week’s showjumping news round-up, we head to the US, where Rodrigo Pessoa and Major Tom topped the Longines FEI World Cup qualifier of Washington with a dazzling display. Drawn first of five in the jump-off, the Brazilian Olympic champion conjured up a coming-of-age performance from the 11-year-old gelding by Vagabond De La Pomme.

“Going first is always a bit difficult, but on the other hand, you make your plan and you try to stick to it, and I think I did that pretty well,” said Rodrigo, who attributed this success to a newfound level of relaxation and maturity for Major Tom, who was produced in Great Britain during his early years by Alex Hempleman followed by Ireland’s Michael Duffy.

“He always showed a lot of quality, but he’s very, very sensitive, and so we’ve taken extra time with him and didn’t want to push him as a nine-year-old. We really took it easy. The jump was always there, but his mind was always going 200mph.

“Now he’s taking his time and taking deep breaths everywhere – I can really rely on his quality. He’s one of the best horses I’ve ever had, but he really needed that time to get in his own space and be more comfortable.”

Great Britain’s Jessica Mendoza claimed a win on her debut at the Washington International. She and In The Air sped to glory in the $32,000 two-phase presented by Nissan of Bowie.

“The two phase actually worked in my favour today because I rode her in the costume class yesterday,” said Jessica of “Fly”, an 11-year-old Air Jordan x Indoctro mare. “She went fast, so it was nice to get the first seven or eight jumps just getting her back and not rushing. Then getting to do the last few jumps fast is always fun with her.”

“She’s incredible,” added Jessica, who also owns Fly’s half-brother. “She’s so athletic; she’s like a little cat when she jumps. She’s been great because I can use her for all of the speed classes and she can be used for a big class. She’s very useful to me and so careful and wonderful.”

Ireland’s Conor Swail also upped the pace to claim Friday’s $63,000 FEI speed final on veteran campaigner Count Me In, aka Crosby.

“He’s very careful and a serial winner, so it’s very nice to know that if I give him a good opportunity to do everything right, he normally repays me,” said Conor.

To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout Pau five-star, London International and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Olympic gold medallist makes winning return and a stallion with the ‘biggest heart’: ‘You feel you can do anything on him’

Jennifer Donald — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 16:42:43 +0000

What a week for British riders! In this week’s international showjumping news round-up, we’ve watched grands prix being won by our country’s heroes, seen some superb performances from the next generation of young showjumpers and credit goes to one of the super grooms who make it all possible.

Read on for this week’s round-up of international showjumping news and results

Showjumping news: Olympic gold medallist makes exciting triumphant return

After an unforgettable summer in which Harry Charles won Olympic gold in Paris quickly followed by a glittering grand prix victory in the Longines Global Champions Tour of London, the 25-year-old took some well-deserved time out to recharge his batteries. This week he made a triumphant return to the sport, winning the CSI2* grand prix of Peelbergen in the Netherlands on nine-year-old Bandit after a seven-way jump-off.

This success also marked a return to the ring for the Stall Zet and Peter Charles-owned Bandit, who was last seen unseating Harry in Aachen in July and, although the stallion was unhurt in his stumble, the accident resulted in a broken arm for Harry.

“There was actually a similar oxer-oxer triple combination to the one in Aachen but that was more of a freak fall, so it wasn’t on my mind at all and Bandit really wasn’t bothered – he’s Irish and pretty hardy!” said Harry of the Obos Quality x Cruisings Micky Finn stallion, who was bred in Ireland by Ted McKenna.

“I had four horses in Peelbergen, none of them knocked a pole down all week and Bandit won the grand prix so it was a great way to come back,” Harry added to H&H. “The last few days, I’ve felt really excited and ready to start riding again, which I think means my break did me good and I’ve taken enough time to reflect. The showjumping calendar doesn’t really allow you to take a break so if you want one you have to make that decision for yourself and not many riders seem to do it. But for me it’s worked.”

There were further celebrations for the Charles family on Sunday (15 September) when Harry’s sister Sienna won the medium tour final on Valkiry De Zance.

Peelbergen results

A stallion with “the biggest heart”, says Joe Whitaker, as cousins triumph

Showjumper Donald Whitaker says in his forthcoming interview in Horse & Hound magazine this week (19 September), “What makes us such a successful family is that all over the world, there will be a good result coming in from somebody; there’s motivation everywhere” and to prove it, two members of the Whitaker family enjoyed a grand prix win apiece this weekend.

In Ascona, Switzerland, Robert Whitaker and Vermento landed the CSI4* grand prix with the faster of only two double clears, while in the CSI3* grand prix at Sentower Park, Joe Whitaker and the brilliant Hulahupe JR stormed to glory by nearly 3sec.

“He’s an amazing horse; I’m so close to him now as I’ve had him for such a long time. I started him as a six-year-old, and we’ve had a lot of fun together,” Joe told H&H of Jessica Crane’s 12-year-old. “He’s in flying form.”

Joe missed the first half of the year with a broken hand followed by a hip injury and only returned to the international circuit in June. He and Hulahupe won the CSI2* grand prix of Lier in July, finishing third at the venue the following week, then made a winning return from a couple of weeks off at Sentower on Sunday (15 September).

“He’s come back really strong and won again there, so he’s in great shape, I’m really happy with him,” said Joe. “The grand prix was tough; 60 qualified and there were only nine clears, which speaks for itself about the height and the technicality. When Hulahupe is jumping well like that, you can feel as if you can do anything on him and he won it through the three turns in the jump-off. There was a turn back to the double, then two turns back to the oxers and I jumped them on a very tight angle and I reckon he saved a second on each turn.

“In a grand prix like that I try to stick to my own plan; I’ve made some mistakes in the past trying to chase people when actually I’m quite naturally fast as a rider anyway, so what I’ve learned with a bit of experience is just to try to do the best round I can personally and if it works that’s great. When the horses are jumping that well it gives you the freedom to go a bit faster! It’s a fantastic feeling.”

Joe also won a young horse class at the show with Stephanie Holker’s talented seven-year-old stallion Maserati WS, and Steph won a 1.25m herself riding Guido.

“I’m delighted for Steph because she’s been working so hard with her horses,” said Joe, who also credited groom Lucy Smith for his string’s fantastic wellbeing.

“Without her we wouldn’t be there because I fly home to the family every Sunday and go back a couple of days later and she’s doing a great job of keeping the horses fit and getting them ready, which gives me the freedom to do that,” Joe said. “You need somebody very trustworthy and good with the horses to be able to do that, so when the horses are all in such great form, it’s all credit to her.”

Showjumping news: an invincible pony Nations Cup squad

Next in this week’s international showjumping news round-up we look to the British heroes of the FEI Jumping Nations Cup Youth Final at Azelhof Horse Events in Lier, Belgium, who were once again the gold medal-winning pony squad. The team of Hollie Gerken (Galaxy V), Sophia Rogers on Neil 55, Lucy Capper with Oscar Van De Beekerhiede, Maisie Alsopp on Vaughann De Vuzit and Cate Kerr on 17-year-old Cindy won with a team tally of just one penalty picked up in the first of three rounds of jumping, finishing ahead of second-placed Ireland with Belgium in third.

“We knew we’d won before Cate went in, but she wanted to jump, jumped clear and we finished on a total of one fault!” said chef d’equipe Clare Whitaker. “They all rode really well, it was a great result!”

In the children’s Nations Cup the Dutch took the title ahead of Great Britain, with Ireland in third.

Kent Farrington and Greya win the World Cup qualifier in Traverse City. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

“I thought it would be fast – I didn’t think it would be wild”

And finally in this week’s showjumping news round-up, the 2024/25 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup North American League kicked off with victory for Kent Farrington on 10-year-old mare Greya ahead of runner-up Sam Hutton of Great Britain on Melusina BVL Z in Traverse City.

The US rider was first to jump double clear in the seven-way jump-off and couldn’t be beaten with a winning time of 37.19sec over Alan Wade’s track. The British challenger came within 0.2sec but had to settle for second.

“Going first, I thought the jump-off would be fast, but I didn’t think it would be wild,” said Kent, who withdrew Greya from the Olympics when she developed a “bad cough” that required a course of antibiotics. “The first part of my round was secure, and then at that point going to the last jump, I thought I played it a bit safe. I thought I had done a pretty aggressive round that someone would have to try hard to catch. It got a little closer thank I would have liked, but we had luck on our side today.

“She’s a sensational horse,” Kent added. “She was always extremely, extremely careful. She had a bit of a wild personality, but she’s always been an exceptional athlete and a special horse. I’m very proud of what she’s developed into. We’re still at the very start of her career. I’m excited to see where it goes.”

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout Blenheim, HOYS, London International and more with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Six of Britain’s best named for Paris Olympics jumping squad

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 24 May 2024 11:36:02 +0000

One senior championship debutant and five team regulars have been included on the list of British showjumping Olympic entries for the 2024 Paris Games.

British Equestrian and the British Showjumping selectors have today (24 May) confirmed the 12 combinations – six riders and 12 horses – whose names will be submitted to the FEI. The final squad will be confirmed next month.

This would be a first senior championship for Robert Whitaker, and a first Olympics for Joe Stockdale, who represented Britain with Equine America Cacharel at the 2021 Europeans and 2022 World Championships, and Tim Gredley, who jumped Medoc De Toxandria at last year’s Europeans, and Omelli at the 2006 World Equestrian Games. Olympic champion Ben Maher, Scott Brash and Harry Charles all represented Britain in Tokyo, and Scott and Ben were on the team that won gold at London 2012.

British showjumping Olympic entries:

Scott Brash with 15-year-old Hello Jefferson (pictured)

Owners: Lady Pauline Harris and Lady Pauline Kirkham

Breeder: Bernard Mols

Breeding: by Cooper Van De Heffinck, out of a mare by Irco Mena

Scott Brash with 10-year-old Hello Valentino

Owners: Lady Pauline Harris and Lady Pauline Kirkham

Breeder: Tina Petersson-Lind

Breeding: by Diamantino, out of a mare by Careful 28

Harry Charles with 12-year-old Aralyn Blue

Owners: Ann Thompson and Harry’s father Peter

Breeder: Franjo Udovc

Breeding: by Chacco-Blue, out of a mare by Ludwig AS

Harry Charles with 15-year-old Romeo 88

Owners: Ann Thompson and Harry’s father Peter

Breeder: Picobello Horses

Breeding: by Contact Van De Heffink, out of a mare by Orlando

Harry Charles with 11-year-old Sherlock

Owners: Stall Zet and Harry’s father Peter

Breeder: Gustaaf Quintelier

Breeding: by Bisquet Balou C, out of a mare by Malito De Reve

Tim Gredley with 11-year-old Imperial HBF

Owners: Tim’s father William and wife Rachel, and Unex Competition Yard

Breeder: HBF Stud

Breeding: by Glasgow-W VH Merelsnest, out of a mare by Original VDL

Tim Gredley with 12-year-old Medoc De Toxandria

Owners: Tim’s father William and wife Rachel, and Unex Competition Yard

Breeder: Werner Dierckx

Breeding: by Der Senaat III, out of a mare by Kelvin De Sainte Hermelle

Ben Maher with 11-year-old Dallas Vegas Batilly

Owners: Rider, Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright

Breeder: Jean Claude Viollet

Breeding: by Cap Kennedy, out of a mare by L’Arc De Triomphe

Ben Maher with 10-year-old Enjeu De Grisien

Owners: Rider, Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright

Breeder: SCEA Elevage de Grisien

Breeding: by Toulon, out of a mare by Andiamo

Ben Maher with 10-year-old Point Break

Owners: Rider, Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright

Breeder: Nya Äppelvikens Ridskola AB

Breeding: by Action-Breaker, out of a mare by Baloubet Du Rouet

Joseph Stockdale with 13-year-old Equine America Cacharel

Owners: Joy Cocklin and Joe’s mother Laura

Breeder: Bohm Helmut

Breeding: by Cachas, out of a mare by Quinar

Robert Whitaker with 11-year-old Vermento

Owners: Stephen and Caroline Blatchford

Breeders: Robert’s parents John and Clare Whitaker

Breeding: by Argento, out of a mare by Skippy 12

The grooms’ names have not been confirmed but will be included in the final squad announcement.

Selection decisions are subject to riders’ and horses’ maintaining fitness and performance, and this list may be amended at any point up to 25 June. The selected squad of four combinations to travel to Paris, plus reserves, will be announced in late June.

Nominated entries for dressage combinations will be announced in the coming weeks; nominated entries for the para dressage squad for the Paralympic Games in Paris will be published in June.

You might also be interested in:

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Graham Fletcher: ‘Olympic selection will be very difficult’

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Two riders bidding for a senior championship debut among British eventing Olympic entries

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

‘I only brought one horse here’: rider takes back-to-back Windsor Rolex grand prix wins with precision campaign

Sarah Radford — Sun, 05 May 2024 18:05:31 +0000

Martin Fuchs took a chance bringing only one horse to Royal Windsor but his faith in Leone Jei’s extraordinary talent was rewarded when he took home the Rolex grand prix.

It was the second consecutive year that the Swiss rider has secured the €125,000 first prize here, having piloted another exceptional horse, Connor Jei, to a 0.4sec win over Ben Maher in 2023.

“There’s usually a lot of pressure on the one class, not having any other chances, but I felt very comfortable after jumping on Friday,” Martin said. “I knew when I walked the course that the jump off would suit us very well and if I do a good job, then normally he’s going to jump two rounds clear.

“Taking back-to-back wins is obviously fantastic,” he added, “but it’s not only winning back-to-back, the whole atmosphere here is special.”

Bernardo Costa Cabral had built a delicate first round track that made subtle rather than overt demands. Poles fell throughout the course, although a vertical to oxer double on the final line, followed by a tall vertical at the final fence, elicited the most faults.

It was a testament to the quality of the 34-horse field, rather than soft course building, that 12 combinations jumped clear. Among them were three British riders: Rob Whitaker (Vermento), Matt Sampson (Daniel) and Tim Gredley (Imperial HBF).

‘Every jump came down’

“I was very happy with the course, I thought it rode very nicely — nicer than I expected,” admitted Bernardo, who had been aiming to get eight clears.

“In hindsight, I wouldn’t do anything differently, if they perform, fair dues to them. I wouldn’t do anything more to catch them because they were just very good horses with superb riders.

“The last line didn’t cause as many problems as I thought, it was a big vertical coming out on a flat five strides. We tried to get horses to jump well and catch riders on difficulties of control, not catch out the horses because they can jump.

“Every jump came down, even number one, and when that happens I am happy with the job.”

Brits take early lead

A world class jump off field of 12 was always going to provoke a dogfight against the clock and Matt Sampson’s impressive double clear on James Davenport’s 16-year-old stallion, which initially went into the lead from third draw, didn’t hold the advantage for long.

He was first toppled by Sweden’s Petronella Andersson (Odina Van Klapscheut), then Italy’s Giulia Martinengo Marquet (Delta Del’Isle) who axed almost 2sec. But her lead was wrested by Martin, who was in another league as he kept attacking on, tight, angled lines in a flawless rhythm to stop the clock in 41.40sec, 3.42sec out in front.

Both Gregory Wathelet (Bond Jamesbond De Hay) and Steve Guerdat (Dynamix de Belheme) came close, lodging 41.75sec and 41.86 sec respectively for second and third place, but couldn’t quite match Martin and the 12-year-old grey, who have strong recent form having won the CSI5* grand prix in Ocala, Florida in March.

While Rob Whitaker gave it a good try on his 11-year-old homebred King George V winner Vermento, he was way off the pace, posting 44.53sec for best of the Brits in fourth.

“I knew today it was going to be very difficult to be quicker than Martin and Steve and Gregory, so I did what I thought I could do with him,” Rob said. “He jumped very good in the jump off and if I was offered fourth place at the beginning of the week, I probably would have taken it.”

Matt’s double clear still secured him a €20,000 payout in seventh, while Tim Gredley, who executed a fluid, clear but steady round with his 11-year-old gelding, finished 6.73sec behind him in eighth, adding one time fault.

John Whitaker’s new horse goes viral, a teenager clears 1.85m and a warm-up fall doesn’t stop the world number one

Jennifer Donald — Mon, 26 Feb 2024 18:06:33 +0000

Never has one rider’s new horse got people talking as much as John Whitaker’s potential Olympic hope Arqana De Riverland and the pair’s sublime clear round at CHI Al Shaqab in Doha at the weekend was shared all over social media as they continue to step up to the bigger classes.

Plus, we saw a 16-year-old rider clearing 1.85m to win her first CSI4* and a 24-year-old beating two Olympic legends in a World Cup qualifier, where the world number one rider bounced back from a warm-up fall to finish second. Read on for all this week’s showjumping news and results.

Showjumping news: “She’s going to be really competitive” says John Whitaker

A video of John Whitaker jumping clear on new ride Arqana De Riverland – touted as a prospect to take the 68-year-old to the Paris Olympics – was circulating far and wide on social media this week, such is the global love for our British showjumping legend. Their clear round at the CSI5* Al Shaqab in Doha was shared alongside hundreds of appreciation posts for John as they stepped up to 1.50m level at just their third show together, and he told H&H the mare was “jumping very well”.

“She’d been with her previous rider Juliette Faligot for seven years so she was a bit set in her ways, but she jumps brilliantly – just sometimes we don’t have that control yet and there’s been the odd misunderstanding, but I think we’re coming together more and more,” he said. “She’s really careful, she’s quick and I think she’s going to be really competitive.”

John also jumped into the placings with two masterful double clears on his Nations Cup hero Equine America Unick Du Francport at the show, including a fifth-placed finish behind winner Malin Baryard Johnsson (H&M Indiana) in the grand prix.

“He has had a rest and seems to have come back really well, we just did a couple of small shows in Belgium before we came out here and to get used to the mare too,” said John. “You walk the courses out here thinking ‘Oh this is big’, then everyone goes in and jumps clear. But he feels fantastic.”

Ireland’s Richard Howley was another rider making showjumping news by finishing in the ribbons, landing the 1.50m with nine-year-old multi-winner Zodiak Du Buisson Z.

“I am absolutely over the moon,” he said. “My horse is in great shape, he is really growing into this level so easily and week after week he is impressing me more. This gives me great belief for the future that my horse can win at grand prix level.”

Richard finished ahead of France’s Simon Delestre (Dexter Fontenis Z) and Mark McAuley in third on GRS Lady Amaro for Ireland.

The action continues at the same venue this coming week when the 2024 Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) season kicks off.

CSI5* Al Shaqab results

Teenager clears 1.85m to beat her older rivals

The youngest rider in the 12-strong field contesting Saturday’s six-bar on the Andalucia Sunshine Tour in Spain, British teenager Tabitha Kyle, smashed the opposition, throwing both hands in the air as she celebrated clearing 1.85m to win her first ever CSI4* class.

Tabitha, 16, was riding Su and Gordon Hall’s 16-year-old mare Desterly at her first international show after recovering from a neck fracture sustained in a car accident which meant she missed the last few months of 2023, her last year on ponies.

Andalucia Sunshine Tour results

Home-bred secures “unbelievable” World Cup glory for 24-year-old rider

Dutch showjumper Lars Kersten made showjumping news headlines as a surprise winner of the final leg of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup series of Western Europe in Gothenburg, Sweden, riding grey mare Hallilea. World number one Henrik von Eckermann bounced back from a collecting ring fall to claim the runner-up spot on King Edward, with fellow Swede Peder Fredricson third on 18-year-old Catch Me Not S after a seven-way jump-off.

The 24-year-old Dutchman, part of the Young Riders Academy, is trained by his father Pieter and was riding his father’s 12-year-old home-bred mare to beat two of the greatest Olympic riders in the world in a thrilling jump-off.

“That makes it even more special – I’ve been working with Hallilea all her life and she has been a big part of my career,” said Lars. “To grow together to this level and to win a World Cup in Gothenburg is unbelievable.

“The moment she turned five, I took her over and it’s special that we’ve done this journey together. We already had some nice placings, but almost nothing beats winning the World Cup here in Gothenburg – it feels a bit unreal!

“I’ve seen Henrik and Peder in so many jump-offs so I know they are capable of being faster than me,” he added. “To sit in front of these guys is not easy and most of the time I will be behind them, so today is a big, big day. But I think I was pretty fast and in the end it showed that it was not that easy to beat me, so I’m very, very pleased with my mare. She absolutely gave 100% today.”

Lars has also had training from his “idol growing up”, Marcus Ehning, and six-time Olympian Jos Lansink.

“I was told the Scandinavium Arena wasn’t an easy ring to ride in, but I found it quite comfortable,” he said.“Maybe it fits my riding, I’m maybe a bit of a light rider and I try to stay fluent throughout the turns, so actually maybe the [oval] shape of it suited me very well. And obviously the horse felt really great as well so it all came together.”

Henrik’s jump-off performance came only minutes after he slipped out of the saddle on landing over a warm-up fence on King Edward during the preceding rider’s round. Ever the professional, he put his unscheduled dismount behind him and his world championship-winning partner scorched round, but couldn’t quite catch the time set by the young winner.

“Maybe my horse jumped too well in the jump-off and he lost a bit of time,” Henrik said. “But this is a good way to lose.”

Peder Fredricson batted off questions about Paris this summer by saying, “Asking me about the Olympics in February is like asking how the weather will be in August! We are building up the horses but there is still a long way to go. It is for sure my main goal this year. I am giving all my horses in the stables a chance now and we will see in the next months how it is going.

“Lars is a great rider. It is nice to see the next generation doing so well.”

Among the top 18 riders who have qualified for the World Cup Final in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in April are title-holder Henrik von Eckermann, who topped this year’s league, Steve Guerdat, Ireland’s Richard Howley and a quartet of British showjumpers; Robert Whitaker, Harry Charles, Scott Brash and Ben Maher.

Gothenburg Horse Show results

Showjumping news: “Dreams really do come true”

British showjumper Claudia Moore proclaimed that “dreams really do come true” when winning her first CSI3* 1.50m grand prix in the final week of the Moura Spring Tour in Valencia, Spain, riding Hardesther. The only other double clear came from another Brit, Chloe Aston, riding the Arko III nine-year-old Akito Von Rocherath Z.

“’Hardy’ is my horse of a lifetime, I trust her and didn’t overpush her as she’s naturally fast,” said Claudia, one of a strong contingent of British winners at this week’s show.

Moura Spring Tour results

Daniel Coyle wins the $100,000 grand prix on Farrel. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

There’s just no stopping Daniel Coyle, “I stared death in the face at the Liverpool”

Continuing a phenomenal winning streak, Irish rider Daniel Coyle made more showjumping news when he lifted the CSI3* $100,000 LeMieux grand prix at the World Equestrian Center, Ocala, Florida, this time riding Farrel, after a 15-way jump-off.

“On Farrel, you can turn on half a stride,” said Daniel of the 14-year-old KWPN gelding (Cardento 933 x Stakkato) owned by Ariel Grange.

“He’s an amazing horse to turn back to a vertical. He’s had a few years off but he’s very handy. Turning back so tight to the second-last jump, that’s all to do with the horse there. [Second-placed] Aaron Vale and I both took risks, but at the end it comes back to the horse and if you can nail it.

“I galloped to fence one and hoped everything came up good, I was really risky across the centre to the Liverpool – I couldn’t see the flags and I stared death in the face, but he pricked his ears and jumped it.

“The celebration in the end is the only part of the sport when we get to interact with the crowd,” added Daniel about his third win of this week; he also finished third behind Aaron Vale (Obi Wan) on another 14-year-old, Quintin. “It’s usually just the horse, the owners and the people, so when the audience comes out screaming and are having a great time, it makes it so special for us.”

Showjumping news: Vogel has the magic Touch again

Germany’s Richard Vogel, ranked 11 in the world, and United Touch S captured top spot in the $385,000 Lugano Diamonds CSI5* grand prix at Wellington International’s Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) after a four-way jump-off in which the quartet all produced double clears over Anthony D’Ambrosio’s tracks.

“I have been lucky enough to ride a lot of good horses in my life, but he’s outstanding,” said Richard. “When he leaves the ground, that power and scope is something very unique and I’m very happy to be in his saddle.”

Darragh Kenny had set the early standard on 17-year-old Holstein stallion VDL Cartello before the lead jumped first to US Olympic team gold medallist McLain Ward on 16-year-old Callas and Shane Sweetnam on James Kann Cruz, back from a break, settled for third.

“I was very lucky that I went behind all three of these guys, and I knew I had to risk it all,” said 26-year-old Richard, whose groom Felicia Wallin won the $500 grooms’ award presented by Double H Farm. “If I had a rail, I was fourth and if I was a slow clear, I was fourth so there was not so much to lose.”

WEF results

Ben Maher and Dallas Vegas Batilly are back in the winner’s enclosure. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Ben Maher is back at the top

And finally in this week’s international showjumping news round-up, world number two Ben Maher won the $116,000 Adequan WEF Challenge Cup round seven at WEF with Dallas Vegas Batilly, with less than a second separating the top three riders.

“I’m lucky with Tilly – she has a huge stride, so I was able to get going and make up some time,” said Ben, 41. “It was lucky for me that I stayed ahead today. It’s always difficult to win here, whether on Thursday or Saturday night. When you have riders like Kent Farrington and Richard Vogel coming behind you, it’s never over until it’s over.

“She’s been an incredible horse early in her career. She jumped great in the five-star a couple weeks ago and I felt she was on form, which is why we brought her back this week.

“My 18-month-old son Cooper can sit on her and she’s the sweetest horse ever. But when you’re on her, she has a lot of opinions. I have to be the passenger, not the pilot, and get her to do things by asking her, not telling her. We’ve come with a great relationship, and I want to bring out the best in her. We saw today that she’s a real fighter for me.”

‘She’s the boss, I’m the passenger!’: Ben Maher lifts a World Cup and Vermento resumes his winning ways

Jennifer Donald — Mon, 13 Nov 2023 15:52:53 +0000

With the Longines FEI World Cup series now in full swing, there were two huge British results to celebrate this week, one for Jessica Mendoza in Toronto and the other for Ben Maher in Verona. We were also thrilled to see one of our favourite stallions Vermento back to his grand prix-winning ways in Lier.

Read on for our weekly round-up of international showjumping news and results.

Showjumping news: ‘Dallas gave me everything today’

A week after their third-place finish in the Longines FEI World Cup qualifier in Lyon, France, Ben Maher and uber-mare Dallas Vegas Batilly (Cap Kennedy x L’Arc De Triomphe*Bois Margot) triumphed in this week’s leg in Verona, Italy, presented by Scuderia 1918. A top-class field of eight from 40 starters came through to the jump-off and, from penultimate draw, the reigning Olympic champion and the 10-year-old mare he co-owns with Pamela Wright and Charlotte Rossetter scorched home a fraction ahead of Steve Guerdat with the 14-year-old multi-winning Venard De Cerisy. The Swiss rider injured his shoulder in the first round but he said it didn’t affect his performance against the clock.

Finishing third was Nicola Philippaerts for Belgium riding another super mare, Katanga VH Dingeshof.

“It was a very difficult jump-off – you had to ride the right lines to make it smooth and fast,” said Ben of the track set by Uliano Vezzani. “Dallas gave me everything today, she was really fighting for me and everything went my way – she was incredible!”

Ben revealed he had warmed up the “sensitive” mare away from the main collecting ring because of the incredible atmosphere in the ring.

“I warmed up early so I could watch Steve Guerdat and I picked the right one to watch!” said the Hertfordshire rider. “My horse is a bit like Steve’s – she lands, she turns and everything went my way today, but it was so very close!

“She likes to be the boss and for me to be the passenger!”

Ben Maher and Dallas Vegas Batilly in the World Cup prize-giving. (Image credit: ©FEI/Massimo Argenziano)

The reigning European champion Steve Guerdat paid tribute to his rival: “Ben rode a great jump-off and fully deserves his win.”

British rider and university student Antonia Platt, who turns 22 later this month, made her CSI5* World Cup debut on Marvin Van De Waterhoeve, just coming home with 12 faults.

“Everyone was so nice, I was so excited to be there,” Antonia told H&H. “Marvin gave me an unbelievable feeling.

“I’ve had him since he was nine and he’s now 12 and I’ve always said he was a five-star horse, but we just haven’t had these kind of opportunities up to now,” added Antonia, crediting Matteo Giunti of the CT (Cavalleria Toscana) Academy for the training and the opportunity to compete at her first five-star show.

Ben had also been in the ribbons the previous day, finishing third with Enjeu De Grisien in Saturday’s winning round competition.

Jumping Verona results

Big Ben Challenge goes to Daniel Coyle and Legacy

In other showjumping news, there was plenty of top-class action to enjoy at the Royal Horse Show in Toronto, Canada, where Ireland’s Daniel Coyle and Ariel Grange’s great mare Legacy triumphed in the prestigious $150,000 Mad Barn Big Ben International Challenge. Kelvin Bywater was in action as course-designer and seven combinations went through to the jump-off where Daniel drew gasps from the crowd as he set an unbeatable target.

Showjumping news: Daniel Coyle and Legacy win the Big Ben Challenge. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

“Legacy now knows how to go very fast,” said Daniel. “I believed she could do it. She’s an amazing horse and I’m delighted to have her. It probably wasn’t the smoothest round I’ve ever had, but she’s such a fighter.”

Royal Horse Show results

Vermento returns to his winning ways

British showjumper Robert Whitaker rode Caroline Blatchford’s King George-winning stallion Vermento to grand prix glory at the CSI2* Azelhof Autumn Tour, a perfect warm-up for their appearance at this week’s CSI5* World Cup show in Stuttgart, Germany.

“I haven’t really jumped him since HOYS but I’m going to Stuttgart this week so I took him there and he jumped good,” Robert told H&H. “He was clear in the other ranking class too, but I didn’t jump off because there were so many clears that day.

“The grand prix was a bit harder – there were only eight clears, which isn’t so many for a two-star. Siebe Leemans, who finished second, was very, very fast but Vermento was just very, very good on the turns and quick.

“These World Cup shows are hard to get into, but luckily I can get into London this year, so I’ll do that, too.”

Azelhof Autumn Tour results

Bluman first, Mendoza second in Toronto World Cup

After finishing second to Daniel Coyle in last year’s Longines FEI World Cup qualifier in Toronto, Daniel Bluman went one better this time to triumph on the lovely grey mare Gemma W (Luidam x Unaniem) after a thrilling five-way jump-off. Finishing second was British rider Jessica Mendoza on I-Cap CL Z, with Kent Farrington of the USA third on rising star, the nine-year-old Greya.

“I don’t know how many chances you get to win a grand prix like this one so when you are given the chance, the minimum you can do is beat the time of the rider that went before you,” explained 33-year-old Daniel. “My goal was to beat Kent’s time. Hopefully the rails would stay up and I could then put the pressure on Jess not to beat me.

Daniel Bluman and Gemma W win the World Cup qualifier in Toronto, Canada. (Image credit: FEI/Simon J Stafford)

“Gemma is all heart. She maybe lacks some of the physical ability to jump the big fences, but she will always give you everything. When I walked the course today, the verticals were big, and we had the triple combination to finish. But I had a good feeling that my mare was feeling good. I haven’t jumped her too big this year and was trying to pick the right places for her. She felt amazing, and sometimes it just goes your way.”

Jess Mendoza, who was competing at The Royal for the first time, describes her 11-year-old I’m Special De Muze gelding as “amazing”.

“I trust him completely,” she said. “I know if I make crazy turns and I’m at a big angle, he’s going to take off, and he’s going to do his best to clear it. This is an incredible show and an unbelievable feeling to be in front of that crowd.”

Showjumping news: Jessica Mendoza and I-Cap CL Z finish second in the World Cup qualifier of Toronto. @Ben Radvanyi Photography (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Course-designer Kelvin Bywater first built at The Royal in 1991 alongside mentor Bob Ellis.

“To come back and design here this week has been something special,” he said.

CSI4*-W Royal Horse Show results

A win for Robert Murphy

British rider Robert Murphy rode the 11-year-old Hulde G to victory in a speed class at the CSI4* Maastricht and finished second in the accumulator. John Whitaker was also in the money at the show with Sharid, and the jumping legend just picked up four faults in the grand prix jump-off on Equine America Unick Du Francport. The feature class was won by Maikel van der Vleuten with Catoki stallion Luigi D’Eclipse.

Showjumping news: Brits hit flying form in Spain

We conclude this week’s showjumping news round-up with the CSI3* grand prix on the Autumn Mediterranean Equestrian Tour, which was won by Spanish rider Mariano Martinez Bastida on Jup, with Donald Whitaker and Nikita Du Roton (Elvis Ter Putte x Chippendale Z) second with the only other double clear of the competition. Among a raft of multi-winning British riders this week was Nicole Lockhead Anderson with I Am A Harley and Christian Street, and Louise Simpson on Dallco Chance and Starouge.

Germany celebrates, Great Britain ‘excited for next year’ after Nations Cup Final in Barcelona

Jennifer Donald — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 12:48:26 +0000

While Great Britain’s tremendous winning form from round one couldn’t transcend to Sunday’s Longines FEI Nations Cup Final in Barcelona, Spain (1 October), there was still plenty of reason to celebrate in a tough competition between the top eight teams.

It was instead Team Germany’s turn to triumph – but there were a few heart-stopping moments en route for the quartet in a sizzling afternoon in Barcelona.

An eight-fault opening round over Santiago Varela’s testing track from Jana Wargers (Dorette) certainly had the team sweating and anchorman Richard Vogel was almost jumped out of the saddle by an over-exuberant leap by United Touch S at fence one. But, with Christian Kukuk (Checker 47) and Hans-Dieter Dreher (Elysium) having already posted clears and Richard surviving unscathed, the quartet won the title for the first time since 2016 on a zero score.

Chef d’equipe Otto Becker said: “These guys deserve the win. I’m a lucky guy to be part of this team. We had two down, I got a bit worried, but what they did is unbelievable.”

Jana described it as the “perfect win” and Hansi agreed it had been a “good week” while Christian said the pressure had benefited him.

“I need that a bit,” he said. “I came here with a good feeling – I knew we had a really strong team because all five of us have had great seasons. I was disappointed to have one down on Thursday so I wanted to do better today.”

Nations Cup Final: ‘This course is giving me a headache – take an aspirin!’

Christian only took the ride back on Checker (Comme Il Faut x Come On), who is owned by Madeleine Winter-Schulze and looked after by Sofie Karlsson, when his boss Ludger Beerbaum retired earlier this year.

“He’s in great shape – I would have liked a double clear so i’m disappointed with that, but I’d be nothing without my team-mates,” said Christian. “We had a lot of fun this week and that’s really important for the team spirit.”

Richard was not required to jump on Thursday to secure the team’s third place and qualification as one of the top eight for Sunday’s final, which benefited the 11-year-old Untouched stallion, who is looked after by Felicia Wallin.

“He was very fresh,” he said. “I was hoping I could do something for the team because up to today I felt like a spectator, so I’m glad I delivered. When I saw the course it gave me a headache because the combinations are difficult for my horse – he has such a big stride. I can take out strides down lines with him but not in combinations! I told Otto that a course with two doubles and a treble was giving me a headache. Otto said take aspirin!

“He almost jumped me off at fence one – he likes to do a spectacular jump but maybe he was a bit rusty. He has pure energy, he’s so strong with so much scope.”

Olympic qualification for Brazil from Nations Cup Final

France, defending champions Belgium, and Brazil finished on eight faults in second, third and fourth respectively according to accumulated time.

The celebrations began for Brazil who secured the single qualifying spot on offer for the Paris 2024 Olympics after a tense battle with USA. Agonisingly for USA, there was only a time-fault separating the two nations.

Switzerland, who have yet to win the title, took sixth, with Great Britain and Ireland filling the bottom two placings on 12 and 13 faults respectively.

Lily Attwood and Cor-Leon VD Vlieerbeek Z, whose groom is Niki Javorkova, jump clear for Great Britain in the Nations Cup Final in Barcelona, Spain. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Great Britain’s hero of the day was 21-year-old Lily Attwood, who jumped the team’s sole clear on Cor-Leon VD Vlierbeek Z, owned by Emmy Freeman-Attwood and looked after by Niki Javorkova. The 13-year-old gelding has had a quieter year after suffering some mild colic relapses, so Lily was “thrilled” with his return and the gelding received huge pats of appreciation from his rider.

“We haven’t had the easiest year so to finish like that was brilliant,” she said.

Harry Charles and Aralyn Blue, who is owned by Ann Thompson and looked after by Georgia Ellwood, came home with four faults, just missing out on a share of the €100,000 double clear bonus, which was split three ways.

Robert Whitaker riding Caroline Blatchford’s King George hero Vermento, who is looked after by Louisa Taylor, and Tim Gredley with Unex Competition Yard’s Medoc De Toxandria, whose groom is Paul Drew, each had two fences down, Tim with a time-fault.

“We all had a good result on Thursday. But having got ourselves in that position, today was always going to be difficult – Lily rode fantastic today though,” reflected Robert. “My horse just showed a couple of little mistakes but this Nations Cup Final is a completely different level for him and he’s coped with it well. I think he’s got a great chance for next year.

“So on the whole, we’ll come away from here thinking there’s a lot to look forward to next year for the Nations Cups.”

Great Britain’s Harry Charles with Aralyn Blue, who is owned by Ann Thompson and looked after by Georgia Ellwood compete in the Longines FEI Nations Cup Final in Barcelona, Spain. Di Lampard said he’d “backed the British team this year 100%”. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

‘I’ve really enjoyed this year and I’m so looking forward to next year’: Di Lampard

Great Britain’s chef d’equipe Di Lampard said she “couldn’t have been more proud of the team on the first day – to do it in the style they did”.

“Every one of them put in their clear rounds this week,” she said. “Sunday was a proper course – 18 jumping efforts, but exactly what you expect in Barcelona.

“Lily was a bit rusty at the level on day one, because she hasn’t been competing all summer. One little error on the first day caused a domino effect down the last line. It was absolutely heartbreaking. But to come back and notch up that clear round on Sunday was fantastic. But also no surprise, she’s very capable. It’s all coming together for her.

“With Robert and Vermento we are building another partnership to look forward to next year – Vermento is very inexperienced at this level, but really exciting for next year.

“Harry is a solid member of our team and has been with us all year – it’s amazing how many appearances he’s had this year, how many clear rounds on different horses,” said Di. “He’s backed us 100%.

“Tim is improving all the time, it’s a very different sport to what he was competing in before. He’s had a terrific year.

“So it’s very exciting for next year,” said Di, when the new format Nations Cup comes into play, along with the Paris Olympics to look forward to.

“This year we’ve been short of a couple of partnerships who were good for us last year, so when we get everyone back it’ll be fantastic. It’s such a lovely squad of riders that we’ve used and integrated this year. There’s been a real mix of youth, in both horses and riders, to of course the living legend John Whitaker, who is in and out of the squad when needed. I’ve really enjoyed this year and I’m so looking forward to next year.”

‘One of the best rounds of the year’: Great Britain wins Nations Cup Final opening leg

Jennifer Donald — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 16:10:57 +0000

Great Britain has won the opening round of the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup Final in Barcelona, Spain, and the team now goes through to Sunday’s (1 October) eight-way decider in pole position.

The squad have clearly bounced back from a disappointing European Showjumping Championships in Milan and they were the only nation from the 15 starters to complete on a zero score on Thursday afternoon (28 September). First-round clears came from pathfinder Tim Gredley with his championship partner Medoc De Toxandria, Robert Whitaker on his King George hero Vermento, and anchorman Harry Charles riding Ann Thompson’s 12-year-old Aralyn Blue, who is looked after by Georgia Ellwood. Lily Attwood’s 12-fault round with Cor-Leon VD Vlierbeek Z was the day’s drop score, but chef d’equipe Di Lampard said she was “absolutely delighted with all four of them”.

“It’s shown progression from Milan – the two riders [Tim and Harry] have come out much more confident and delivered,” she said on day one of the Nations Cup Final in Barcelona.

“We’re getting the girls in the mix too!” she added, including fifth team rider Sienna Charles, younger sister of Harry. “Harry is masterly in anchorman position – a bit didn’t go his way in Milan, but hasn’t he bounced back? That was a near-perfect round.”

‘It’s an honour to be picked for the Nations Cup Final in Barcelona’

Tim Gredley was full of praise for his 11-year-old Medoc De Toxandria, who is looked after by groom Paul Drew. The duo with were part of the victorious Nations Cup team at Hickstead, as well as the European Showjumping Championships team last month.

“When he’s jumping like that, it’s really, really enjoyable,” said Tim. “He’s so careful and he has so much scope – he makes my job much easier.“That was probably one of the best rounds of the year. It’s all about Nations Cups and representing my country – I really enjoy the format and all the pressure that comes with it. He’s obviously jumped a lot this year and he’s been picked for the final, which is a big honour, so I’m just glad I could pull a clear out of the bag.”

Thursday’s victory puts Great Britain in a coveted final draw of the eight teams who will jump again on Sunday. Joining them in the concluding round of the FEI Jumping Nations Cup Final in Barcelona will be Brazil, Germany and Switzerland, who all finished on a team score of four.

Title-holders Belgium and USA will also be in the mix after their eight-fault tallies in Thursday’s opening round, while 12-faulters Ireland, France and Mexico had to be split by time, meaning Ireland and France were celebrating, while Mexico will instead head to Saturday night’s Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup Final Challenge Cup for the seven lower ranked nations.

They will be joined by the Netherlands, who had an uncharacteristically high-scoring day, hosts Spain, Italy, Australia, Argentina and Uzbekistan.

‘That was special’: emotions run high again as Robert Whitaker lifts King George trophy on father John’s home-bred

Jennifer Donald — Sun, 30 Jul 2023 17:04:11 +0000

What a week it’s been for the Whitaker family at this year’s Longines Royal International Horse Show. The party had barely died down after Friday’s jubilant British Nations Cup celebrations before Hickstead erupted with delight once again on Sunday afternoon (30 July). This time the object of their appreciation was Robert Whitaker, a very worthy winner of an attritional Longines King George V Gold Cup showjumping competition with the only double clear on a horse who was bred by his father John Whitaker.

It doesn’t get much better than that in this sport, and the tears that flowed in the aftermath revealed just what it meant for both father and son, and everyone at Hickstead.

“This is just amazing,” said an emotional Robert after lifting the solid gold trophy, which has his father John’s name etched on it three times and uncle Michael Whitaker four times, but Robert is the first Whitaker for more than a quarter of a century to add his name to the silverware.

Robert, who first jumped at Hickstead as a toddler in the under-10s, revealed just why it was such an emotional day for the family.

“My dad loves the sport so much – and everybody loves him,” he said, wiping away a tear.

King George V Gold Cup showjumping: ‘Unbelievable’

A field of nine came forward for the jump-off for Sunday’s King George V Gold Cup, with a top prize of over 50,000 euro, but faults flowed thick and fast in the rainy conditions until it became obvious that anyone who could jump a second clear would be in with the chance of some serious prize money.

Robert and Vermento, a 10-year-old son of Argento – John Whitaker’s top ride for many years – were quick out of the starting blocks and you could tell this was a man on a mission. Had his father John offered any good advice before he went in?

“When he’s in the jump-off with me he doesn’t speak to me at all!” said Robert. “But he told me the course was jumping tough today.

“Vermento is 10, so we’ve put a lot of work into him. But that was his first five-star grand prix. He was amazing. Before the first round I was actually really nervous because you never know what’s going to happen in that ring. But he’s jumped smaller classes in this ring so he’s well used to it.

“In the jump-off, I just wanted to get in a good rhythm and not go too slow but not overcook it either,” added Robert. “He felt really well today.”

An anxious wait for King George winner Robert Whitaker

Robert endured an anxious wait after crossing the line clear in 56.70sec as there were still three of the world’s fastest riders behind him and he and his father took refuge in the commentary box. But as soon as the planks fell for final rider Daniel Coyle and Gisbourne VDL, the celebrations erupted once again.

An emotional John Whitaker said: “I’m the breeder of the horse and the breeder of the rider! But this is just unbelievable. That was special, just amazing.”

Vermento has long been an exciting prospect and today he really came of age. This is a very special partnership.

Finishing second as the fastest four-faulter was Pedro Veniss of Brazil riding Nimrod De Muze Z, while Sweden’s Amanda Landeblad took third on the British-produced For Killy.

The 2023 Hickstead Derby entries: meet this year’s runners and riders

Jennifer Donald — Sun, 25 Jun 2023 06:59:19 +0000

At 2.45pm on Sunday, 25 June, the world famous Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby kicks off in front of a global audience, so who are the names to look out for among this year’s Hickstead Derby entries?

From reigning champion of Hickstead, Shane Breen, to four-time winner William Funnell, a bunch of intrepid first-timers and a trio of Olympic eventers, the field of 27 entries representing four nations for the 2023 Hickstead Derby really is an eclectic cross-section of the equestrian world.

Here is your guide to the 2023 Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby entries.

HICKSTEAD DERBY ENTRIES

1. Carlos Mota Ribas and Night Secret Z (BRAZIL)

The unenviable task of pathfinder for the Al Shira’aa Derby this year falls to this Brazilian rider and the 11-year-old Non Stop stallion. However, the role couldn’t be in better hands as Carlos is a much-loved Hickstead regular, finishing equal second with four faults in the class last year. Night Secret has yet to prove himself in the main ring at Hickstead but completed the Hamburg Derby on eight faults. Never underestimate this Brazilian!

2. Henry Turrell and Rocco (GBR)

The local rider has contested the speed Derby several times but in preparation for stepping up to the big one for the first time this year, Henry and his home-bred 12-year-old Rocco (Cardento x Numero Uno) took in some classes in Hamburg last month and jumped round the Derby trial for 20 faults. What a special moment it will be to contest this world famous class for the first time on a horse he’s bred and produced himself.

3. David Simpson and Flashback VL (IRL)

This two-time Queen Elizabeth II Cup-winning rider brings two horses through for this year’s Hickstead Derby, coming out first on this relatively new ride with whom the locally based Irish team rider had 12 faults in the Derby trial at Hickstead on Friday. He has previously won a Derby trial and his best Derby finish was fourth in 2013 with the brilliant Rolo Tomasi. He has ridden round Hamburg, too, so is an expert pilot for the vast expanse of the Hickstead turf.

4. Sebastian Hughes and Colorado Volo (GBR)

One of the best stories in the class, this will be Seb’s first time riding in the Hickstead Derby and he will be on board the distinctive white-faced chestnut gelding “Chief”, who was bought as a “gangly” five-year-old with a view to selling him, but this “one man and his horse” duo have gone on to jump the dizzying heights of puissances at five-star shows, and now the legendary Derby track awaits them.

“Just to have a horse that would be able to do the Derby is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” he says.

5. Stephan Dubsky and C The Stars (IRL)

This combination caught the eye when finishing fifth in the Hamburg Derby last month with just four faults. The Germany-based Irishman is a former international eventer and makes his Hickstead debut this year with this exciting nine-year-old.

6. Ryan Lockwood and Over The Top Van Den Haagakkers (GBR)

This 23-year-old rider is another British showjumper making his Hickstead debut this year and extraordinarily had only jumped one class, the area trial at Wellington last week, on Elliott Rowe’s nine-year-old before bringing him to West Sussex. The horse jumped round last year’s speed Derby with Elliott, while Ryan steered him home with eight faults in Friday’s Derby trial.

7. William Funnell and Equine America Billy Diamo (GBR)

This rider needs no introduction to Hickstead Derby followers; he’s one of an elite quintet of riders to have lifted the trophy four times and will be bidding for a record fifth victory with two ride – the first of which is his 18hh 13-year-old home-bred, who finished 11th last year.

“Last year was Equine America Billy Diamo’s first time round and it’s always good to get that first one under your belt,” says William. “Hopefully he’ll have grown from that and this year I’ve really focused on doing the right things to produce him for Sunday.“

Shane Breen and Can Ya Makan celebrating success in 2022 – they are among the Hickstead Derby entries again this year (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

8. Shane Breen and Scarteen (IRL)

Hickstead-based Irishman Shane Breen begins the defence of his title with a home-bred 10-year-old, who he sold a half-share of as a five-year-old and only bought back last month. Since taking the reins, Shane and the super grey have been placed in Hamburg and won the La Baule Derby, picking up just four faults in the Derby trial on Friday. This rising star could be a really strong prospect among this year’s Hickstead Derby entries.

“He’s very scopey and careful, so much versatility and such jump; you could put him into whatever you want,” says Shane.

9. Andre Reichmann and Ego De Toxandria Z (BRA)

Hickstead has welcomed this Brazilian rider and nine-year-old gelding for the first time this year and they adapted well to the international ring’s unique obstacles and undulations, finishing with eight faults in the Derby trial. The last Brazilian rider to win the Hickstead Derby was Nelson Pessoa in 1996.

10. Jonathan Smyth and Premier Spirit (IRL)

Fresh from a grand prix runner-up position at Bolesworth last week, this 25-year-old Irish rider warmed up for Hickstead with a puissance third on this 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding who has plenty of scope. They completed the Derby trial on 36 faults.

11. Tim Gredley and Gentlemen VH Veldhof (GBR)

British showjumping team regular Tim Gredley made a return to the Hickstead Derby in 2022 for the first time in 17 years and returns for the second year in succession with the same horse, the 17-year-old Gentlemen, who was a previous Derby ride for Michael Whitaker. The last British winner of the Hickstead Derby was in 2018, can Tim make amends?

12. Paul Sims and Dream Roller (GBR)

This former eventer has ridden round Badminton but this will be his first attempt at the Devil’s Dyke, bank and open water in Hickstead’s international arena. His 12-year-old gelding stepped up to five-star level in the UAE with Paul’s friend Joe Whitaker earlier this year but has since returned to Paul and the pair posted an impressive eight-fault round in Friday’s Derby trial

13. Carlos Mota Ribas and Juan Van’t Arkelhof (BRA)

The Brazilian is back with his second ride, a 14-year-old gelding who is making his Derby debut but who looked right at home in the Derby trial, picking up just four faults.

14. Dermott Lennon and Gelvins Touch (IRL)

Another notable Irish rider bidding to lift the Boomerang trophy this year is 2022 world champion Dermott, who has had several runner-up places in the Derby without lifting the silverware. The 17-year-old Gelvins Touch (Touchdown x Diamond Lad) hasn’t jumped internationally since last year’s Hickstead Derby where the pair just had four faults at the rails at the bottom of the bank to finish equal second. It would be a lovely story if this veteran could take top honours this year.

15. Trevor Breen and Gonzalo (IRL)

Trevor is the younger brother of Shane Breen and, two days after representing Ireland in the Nations Cup in Rotterdam, Trevor has qualified this 12-year-old former eventer, with whom he finished fourth in the King George V Gold Cup at the Royal International last year, for Sunday’s Al Shira’aa Derby.

“He’s such a lovely horse, he’s beautiful to ride and he has a huge heart and fights for you, so he makes my life a bit easier,” says Trevor.

If anyone can give Shane a good run for his money, it’s most certainly brother Trevor, who has won the Hickstead Derby twice, in 2014 and 2015.

16. William Whitaker and Flamboyant III (GBR)

Another former winner, with Glenavadra Brilliant in 2016, and one of two Whitakers in the field. Flamboyant III, a 13-year-old Cardento gelding, was a catch ride for William in last year’s Hickstead Derby when owner Elliott Smith broke his leg and the pair have been jumping at the top level since. They jumped an eye-catching four-fault round in Friday’s Derby trial and look bang on target for their second Derby tilt.

17. Daniel McAlinden and Keatingstown Z Wellie Two (IRL)

24-year-old Hickstead Derby debutant Daniel only took the reins on 12-year-old Wellie last month so there are plenty of unknowns. Ger O’Neill rode the gelding in the 2019 Derby but they failed to complete. However, a third place finish in Friday’s Derby trial for Daniel and the Irish-bred does show promise ahead of Sunday.

18. Sammie Jo Coffin and Chaccomo Blue (GBR)

The Cornwall showjumper has enjoyed plenty of success in the Hickstead international arena but brings this 13-year-old gelding for the first time, fresh from a string of good placings on the county circuit. This big-jumping gelding relished the challenge of the Derby trial, just picking up eight faults.

19. Kai Ruder and Cross Keys (GER)

This top German rider may be better known for his eventing successes but in recent years he’s been seen in the showjumping ring and has jumped the Hamburg Derby a handful of times. He makes the journey to Hickstead for the first time this year, bringing his long-time partner, the 18-year-old Cross Keys, a German-bred son of Casall.

20. Gemma Stevens and Envoy Merelsnest Z GBR)

A British eventer this time, Olympian and world championship gold medallist Gemma Stevens (nee Tattersall) no less, who has been combining eventing and showjumping in recent years and was offered the ride on the Brendon Stud’s stallion Envoy Merelsnest Z, or “Dime Bar” as he is known at home, for her debut in this year’s Hickstead Derby.

“I’m not expecting to be troubling the leaders at this stage, but just the fact I’m giving it a go and on a horse I’ve not ridden that much… Why not?” says Gemma.

21. Robert Whitaker and Evert (GBR) **WITHDRAWN**

Could Robert be the 10th Whitaker to win the Hickstead Derby? He and his cousin William are representing the famous showjumping dynasty this year and Robert brings Caroline Blatchford’s 14-year-old Evert, a recent winner in Italy and a horse with an exceptional record in the international ring at Hickstead, as well as in Hamburg with his previous rider Karel Cox. Their fantastic clear round in Friday’s Derby trial put them right up among the favourites for this year’s class.

22. Jordan Coyle and Eristov (IRL)

US-based Irishman Jordan brought the 14-year-old Eristov over for last year’s Derby, where they finished with 12 faults – his first visit to Hickstead since his debut in 2013. Irish riders have won five of the past nine runnings of the Hickstead Derby.

23. Shane Breen and Can Ya Makan (IRL)

The reigning Hickstead Derby champions, who won last year with the sole clear round, are bidding to become the first combination to win back-to-back since William Funnell and Cortaflex Mondriaan in 2008 and 2009. Can Ya Makan is now 17 and Shane has produced him carefully for this day and will go in as red hot favourites.

24. William Funnell and Dublon (GBR)

Four-time winner William Funnell’s second ride Dublon is another lofty chestnut, who he only started riding last month after Barbara Hester’s gelding left Joe Stockdale’s stable. It would be remarkable if this pair won at their first show together.

“With my history in the class it would be lovely to get the fifth one,” says William.

25. David Simpson and Pjotr Van De Kruishoeve (IRL)

The Irishman returns with his second ride, the youngest horse in the class, eight-year-old Pjotr. This low mileage Belgium-bred stallion has been stepping up impressively in recent months and jumped a classy eight-fault round in the Derby trial.

26. Carlos Mota Ribas and Trix (BRA)

This nine-year-old gelding was bred by John Whitaker, ridden by Robert Whitaker and then sold to the Brazilian showjumper two years ago – they were second in last year’s speed Derby then the duo tied for first with former rider Robert (on Evert) as the only two clears in Friday’s Derby trial. Definitely one for the short list.

27. Sandra Auffarth and Nupafeed’s La Vista (GER)The legendary German Olympic eventer has the honour of being the last into the ring for her debut at Hickstead. She and the 14-year-old mare have finished top-three in the Hamburg Derby and appeared to adapt quickly to the Hickstead fences in Friday’s Derby trial. Can Sandra add the Boomerang trophy to her glittering array of silverware, which includes Olympic and world championship eventing gold medlas? It would certainly be an incredible story if she did – and that’s what the Hickstead Derby is all about.

The Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby is at 2.45pm on Sunday 25 June. Horse & Hound will be bringing you all the stories online as they happen and in next week’s magazine, in the shops Thursday 29 June.

Farewell to horse who was ‘part of the family’ after 10-year career at the top

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 16 Dec 2022 20:21:28 +0000

The Whitakers have said a final goodbye to a “big part of the family” as Robert’s long-term top-level ride Catwalk IV has died aged 19.

The Holsteiner gelding had been retired for about a year and a half, after a 10-year international career that had included wins and placings all over the world.

His record shows his versatility; he was successful in everything from Nations Cups to puissances and from six-bars to five-star grands prix.

“He was very tough,” Robert told H&H, referring to the length of Catwalk’s career. “He was a strong character and very sound.”

Robert took on the Holsteiner gelding, who was owned by his mother Clare and Mandy Hall, as a six-year-old, by which time he was already showing his huge scope.

Robert Whitaker and Catwalk IV (Image credit: Lucy Merrell)

“He had all the ability,” Robert said. “He did a bit of everything; he could be a bit spooky so we jumped him in all sorts of classes, to get him in the ring sometimes!

“He had a bit about him and he was nice to ride, with a good canter. He was a bit spooky in the ring but I think that’s one thing that made him so good. And once he was about 10 and had learned his job, he came into his prime.”

Robert cited his Nations Cup team wins in St Gallen and Rome as highlights, as well as winning the Lausanne five-star grand prix in 2016 and the Helsinki World Cup leg and grand prix in 2019.

He felt it was the right time to retire Catwalk last year; his last show was the 2021 Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead, and the gelding had spent a happy retirement in the field, until his age caught up with him.

“You were a big part of the family and will truly be missed,” Robert said. “Thank you for all the happy memories, you were a horse of a lifetime. Rest easy.”

‘They won’t knock me off my perch yet!’ John leads gathering of nine Whitakers at a successful HOYS

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 12 Oct 2022 14:12:21 +0000

It’s not clear what the collective noun would be for a group of Whitakers – but whatever it is, there was one at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) last week.

Nine members of the family were competing, in everything from national classes to the grand prix, and most of them gathered for a picture in the Andrews Bowen International Arena on 8 October.

The gathering in itself was no mean feat – “The biggest job was rounding us up, I thought we were going to miss our class!” William Whitaker said. “There’s plenty of us here; we thought we’d do it by numbers!”

But, William added: “This shows how much HOYS means to use as a family. We all want to follow in the footsteps of what John and Michael have done in the sport, so to be here competing, with John and the rest of the family, makes me very proud. And I’m sure it makes my dad and uncles proud too.”

John has been competing at HOYS for over half a century, which William said is “fantastic”.

“The word ‘legend’ doesn’t do him justice,” he said. “We all really look up to him, and learn from him every day. It would be one thing if he had millions behind him and was going out to buy the best horses, but he’s not. He’s still producing young horses to the top level – and beating us. I’m used to that, he’s been doing it all my life! But I’m sure he’s as delighted when one of us wins as when he does.”

It was successful Whitaker week; as well as William’s victory in the Grandstand Challenge Cup ranking class on Jalellah OL, and John’s close second in the grand prix on Equine America Unick Du Francport, Robert won the six-bar on Vermento.

John on Sharid was joint second with Shane Breen on Vistogrand, and Robert said afterwards: “I have told him to retire a few times but he seems to just come back and win more!

“He never has a doubt, I think that’s his best asset. He’s so positive, he thinks he can win any class on any horse – and a lot of the time, he does. He still helps me every day – we help each other – and I think he’s still going to win a lot more.”

John himself joked that his family had “taken over a bit” at HOYS this year.

“But they’re all good,” he said. “They’re all keen, good workers, nice guys and they’re good. It’s great to watch.

“I think it’s in the blood, for sure, it has to be. They probably tried other things but thought showjumping is probably going to be it, which is great to see.

“I find it amazing they’re all interested. I’ve lost count but I think there’s only two out of the family who don’t ride, Jack’s younger sisters, but the rest do, and they’re all good, and I’m extremely proud.”

John added that his long and hugely successful career may “give them something to aim for”.

“But I’m not going to give it to them easily, they won’t knock me off my perch!” he said. “I’m still going to be here; I don’t know for how many years, but a few more yet.”

What do you think should be the collective noun for a group of Whitakers? Send your thoughts to hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, and nearest town and county

A ‘big pony with a big heart’, a historic dead heat and a rider without a stirrup – who won showjumping ribbons this week?

Jennifer Donald — Mon, 05 Sep 2022 17:01:28 +0000

The summer season is reaching a crescendo across the Atlantic, with a string of top level shows in Canada and USA at the moment with showjumping results coming thick and fast, but there’s plenty of action in Europe too. This week we saw a rare tie for top honours in a five-star grand prix, a rider having to improvise with a fast plan B after losing a stirrup in a jump-off, an oversized pony finding the winning formula and the return of Ben Maher’s World Championship star Faltic HB in a nail-biting jump-off.

Here is your weekly round-up of international sporting action from the world of showjumping over the past few days, as well as this week’s showjumping results.

Who needs two stirrups anyway?

In the final CSI5* class at the Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) of Rome at the Circus Maximus, Christian Ahlmann and the stallion Solid Gold Z (pictured below) triumphed – despite the rider losing a stirrup en route and having to improvise during his jump-off round. Christian executed a miraculous rollback after his foot slipped out of the stirrup at the third fence from home.

“I had to do one or two extra strides than I planned,” said the German rider, who still bolted home 0.91sec faster than runner-up Malin Baryard-Johnsson of Sweden riding the brilliantly named Harley Davidson in a six-way jump-off. “He is an unbelievable horse, an unbelievable fighter and I’m so pleased everyone can see how special he is.”

Showjumping results from the 1.50m jump-off class at the LGCT Rome

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

A historic dead heat and incredible winning streak for Matt Sampson

Very rarely will a top-level grand prix result in a dead heat, but at the Continental CSI5*/2* tournament at Spruce Meadows, Canada, Ireland’s Paul O’Shea and British rider Matt Sampson shared the spoils after both riders stopped the clock on exactly 38sec in Sunday’s Friends of the Meadows grand prix presented by Rolex (pictured below). A field of 20 combinations representing eight nations tackled Anthony D’Ambrosio’s track with seven making it through to the jump-off. Riding Imerald Van’t Voorhof, Paul set the lightning-quick target for Matt to chase and he and the great mare Ebolensky flew off in hot pursuit, posting the exact same time. This was the first time in Spruce Meadows history that there were two winners of a five-star grand prix.

“We love Spruce Meadows, to be able to jump in the big grass fields before next week [CSIO5* Masters tournament] and have this result builds confidence,” said Matt. Paul added: “This is a big grand prix in itself, I’m very happy to be here and to have this opportunity ahead of next week.”

This win was the icing on the cake for a jubilant Matt, who is enjoying an incredible winning streak, having also claimed victory this week in the 1.45m CSI2* grand prix with Rachel Evison’s Curraghgraigue Obos Flight, a 1.40m on Evora BJX and Thursday’s 1.50m class riding Fabrice DN, with several other placings too. Well done Matt!

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Spruce Meadows Continental tournament showjumping results

The secret to one “quirky” multi-winning horse? A ‘support human’

US showjumper Kristen Vanderveen landed the speed stakes at the Hampton Classic Horse Show on a big-striding horse with “a quirky personality”, Bull Run’s Prince of Peace.

“It’s great to be back at the Hampton Classic,” she said. “My plan was actually to go all-out on my second horse, Faustino, but today it paid off to stay a little conservative. Prince of Peace is also a really fast horse, so I didn’t have to go all-out with him.”

“He’s quite the character,” she said of the 13-year-old Holsteiner gelding. “He’s taken me a bit of time to figure out. He’s got a quirky personality, so he’s a little special in the barn. He always likes to have his groom with him; we call it ‘needing his support human.’ But he’s won many classes over the years and been great. He’s done speed classes and grands prix, and it’s nice to have a horse that I can use in both divisions.”

Hampton Classic results

Faltic HB is back!

One of the heroes of Great Britain’s bronze medal-winning squad from last month’s World Showjumping Championships, Ben Maher’s ride Faltic HB, was back in action this week, competing at the LGCT of Rome. Ben and the Oakingham Stud’s stallion blitzed round clear in 43.35sec to finish a very close second to victor Christian Kukuk riding the impressive stallion Mumbai in Saturday’s grand prix. The victorious German rider picked up one of the last remaining golden tickets to this year’s prestigious LGCT Super Grand Prix at the Prague Playoffs in November.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Taking third after a thrilling 12-way jump-off was Marlon Zanotelli riding Like A Diamond Van Het Schaeck, just ahead of world champion Henrik von Eckermann with his potential superstar mare Iliana. The recent LGCT London winner, Pieter Devos and Mom’s Toupie De La Roque finished fifth while another Brit, Jodie Hall McAteer rode another brilliant double clear with Salt’N Peppa (H&H‘s Spotlight star in this week’s magazine, in the shops 8 September) to finish seventh.

“This means everything to me,” said Christian, who is based at the stables of Ludger Beerbaum. “I have put enormous effort into this sport and all the horses, especially Mumbai, over the past 10 years since I started at Ludger’s and I always dream about winning one of these LGCT grands prix.

“I just realised that the breeder of Mumbai is here and it is her birthday – I think the day was just made for us. My groom has always said ‘I want to win one of these grands prix and I want to be in Prague for the Super Grand Prix’ and I said ‘I will try my best’. Today it worked out – it means a lot to us.”

Ben Maher has closed in on leader Christian Ahlmann in the championship standings; now just six points separate the two contenders as they head to the next round in New York this month before the final in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in October.

LGCT grand prix of Rome results

“Big pony with a big heart” jumps to victory

At the 2022 Hampton Classic Horse Show at Bridgehampton, NY, Amanda Derbyshire triumphed in Friday’s CSI2* grand prix qualifier riding Gochman Sport Horse LLC’s Wonder If (main image above).

“I’ve had ‘Juicy’ since the start of Florida this year,” said Amanda of the 10-year-old British-bred Cevin Z mare, formerly produced by Emma McGlynn. “She’s the most awesome horse. She’s literally a big pony with a really big heart. She’s been nothing but perfect since we got her and is the nicest, friendliest horse. Every time you go into the ring, you know she’s going to try for you, and it’s such a good feeling to have. Even though she’s little and doesn’t have the biggest stride, she makes up for it by being really fast and economical over the jumps. The owner, Becky, was also here to watch today, and it’s just amazing. She’s my biggest supporter, and I will always be grateful to her.”

Sunday’s $410,000 Hampton Classic five-star grand prix was won by Karl Cook with Kalinka Van’t Zorgvliet.

Showjumping results from Hampton Classic

“What a horse”

At the CSI3* Bemer Riders Tour at Lier, Belgium, Great Britain’s Robert Whitaker was in the money, claiming a victory in Friday’s 1.50m grand prix qualifier riding Caroline Blatchford’s 13-year-old Evert after a quality field of 13 jumped off against the clock.

“What a horse,” said Robert, who went on to finish 10th to Frenchman Mathieu Billot (Darling De L’Angevine) in the 1.55m feature class and also finished in the money at the show with Vermento.

Showjumping results from CSI3* Lier

London Knights win GCL of Rome

The duo of Mike Kawai and Sam Hutton helped GCL team London Knights to their first podium of the season at the Rome leg on Saturday (3 September).

“This feeling is actually amazing because I have always wanted to be on top of the podium in the GCL and to win the class feels incredible – we finally did it!” said Mike, who is trained by Jan Tops and rode Goldwin, a former mount of Laura Kraut, in Rome.

Sam, who was riding the London stallion Oak Grove’s Laith at only their second show together, added: “We really stuck together as a team. Abdel Said was there helping us and it was a great feeling. We are going to be fighting for a top-four finish that is for sure. When I walked it I thought it was quite a difficult course, and everyone was jumping it really well early on but I think it was the pressure of the teams that got to everyone.”

Berlin Eagles have now taken the lead in the GCL Championship with just two stages to go.

GCL results from Rome

Auction purchase is proving profitable

Israeli showjumper Daniel Bluman took top honours in the $74,000 Hampton Classic CSI2* grand prix riding Cachemire De Braize.

“Cache has been with us for about three years,” said Daniel of the 10-year-old Selle Français gelding. “He came out of an auction a few years ago, and I’ve been working with him since. He’s got a lot of talent, and he’s definitely fast. He’s had almost 10 international wins. He’s a very good horse, very competitive, and has his own way of going.

“[Course designer] Alan Wade of course did a good job, but we don’t expect anything less from him. It was a difficult track for the two-star level, but Cachemire is a five-star horse. He’s done a lot of four-star grands prix, so he’s really at a level where he has experience and scope to spare. He gave me a really, really nice first round, then was great for the second. I knew I had to lay it out in the second round because I had some fast riders coming, and Karl Cook had already had a good jump-off. I just focused on my plan, and it worked out.”

Hampton Classic results

Ebanking at Adam Botham yard, Chimenys near Moreton-in-Marsh in Gloucestershire in the UK on the 25th April 2022 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Botham’s quick-fire treble in Rome

Fresh from success at the London leg of the LGCT, Adam Botham rode Barbara Hester’s Harvey to victory in Friday’s CSI2* two-phase at the LGCT in Rome. Warwickshire-based Adam quickly made it a winning double, jumping Barbara’s great stallion Ebanking (pictured above) to victory in the 1.40m equivalent, then the duo returned the next morning to take the red ribbons for the speed class by an incredible margin of nearly 2sec.

Another British rider who finished in the ribbons in London, Izac Ketteridge, chased home Adam and Harvey in the opening two-phase to finish second riding Z7 Caretina and then followed up with a victory double in both Saturday’s 1.30m speed class and Sunday’s jump-off class riding Carron Nicol’s impressive 11-year-old Galerius.

Ireland’s Shane Breen was another victor in Italy’s capital this week, winning the opening CSI5* two-phase with Z7 Ipswich.

LGCT Rome showjumping results

You may also be interested to read…

(Image credit: KindMedia)

‘I felt like I was flying’: striking palomino stallion clears 6ft3in on six-bar debut

(Image credit: KindMedia)

Victory for a horse who recovered from a broken leg, and plenty of British success

(Image credit: KindMedia)

Jubilant Irish and a mare’s miraculous comeback – who won showjumping ribbons this week?

(Image credit: KindMedia)

Whitaker’s milestone success, a pair at their first show and a flying 17-year-old – who won showjumping ribbons this week?

(Image credit: KindMedia)

Young Brits on top form as World Championships approach: who won showjumping ribbons this week?

(Image credit: KindMedia)

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

British-bred stallions dominate in Hickstead’s derby tankard

Sarah Radford — Thu, 23 Jun 2022 18:08:06 +0000

Shane Breen’s nine-year-old championship prospect Vistogrand topped a vanguard of British-bred stallions who claimed the top three placings in Thursday’s (23 June) derby tankard at the Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby meeting.

The Fantaland x Mr Visto son, who was bred by Carron Nicol, snatched a hairs-breadth 0.06sec lead from first-to-jump Rob Whitaker and the striking nine-year-old black stallion Vermento.

Seven combinations jumped clear round the derby tankard’s 1.50m track but only five elected to come forward for the jump off.

Third place went to Adam Botham and Barbara Hester’s 10-year-old stallion Arge, who delivered the fastest round but had an unfortunate pole at the first fence. Both Arge and Vermento are by Argento and were bred by John and Clare Whitaker.

Vistogrand is no stranger to grass but was making his first competitive appearance in Hickstead’s main arena. His win was a promising preparation for next month’s Royal International.

“The plan for this week was to put him in the eye of the chef d’equipe for a possible squad place for the nations cup,” said Shane. “If he doesn’t make the team, then we’ll aim him for the King George.”

The stallion has gained experience jumping at the top level this year, with solid performances on the Global Champions Tour in Mexico, Hamburg and Rome. Last week, he took a win on British soil in the international trial at South of England.

“He’s had a good year and was super in Hamburg and at Windsor, where I made a mistake in the grand prix. He’s a really, really smart horse,” Shane said.

The win was a strong start to the Hickstead-based Irishman’s Derby campaign this year. Shane, who is married to Chloe [Bunn], will have a double-shot at this year’s Derby — a title which has so far eluded him — riding Golden Hawk and Can Ya Makan.

“It would be nice to get the monkey off my back. The two of them are on great form, so I’ll do my best on the day,” he said. “Both of them deserve to win and it’s the best chance I’ve ever had.”

‘He’s taught me a lot’: Robert Whitaker retires top horse age 18

Becky Murray — Fri, 12 Nov 2021 20:03:20 +0000

Catwalk IV, the top grand prix horse and long-term partner of Robert Whitaker, has retired aged 18.

Robert bought the son of Colman as a stallion from Swiss showjumper Steve Guerdat in 2011. Catwalk was later gelded, and although he was known for being quite tricky as a young horse, he went on to enjoy a successful 10-year career with Robert. The pair recorded 23 wins and countless top-10 finishes, including puissances, six-bars, five-star grands prix, and World Cup qualifiers.

Robert told H&H when he bought Catwalk he “probably didn’t realise” how good he would be.

“He’s got a lot of character, he was quite strong-minded when he was young but I think that’s what made him so good. He’s taught me a lot,” he said.

“I was on winning Nation Cup teams with him in Rome and St Gallen, and he won five-star grands prix, not many people get the pleasure of having a horse that does that. The highlight was my first World Cup win in Helsinki in 2019, the day after we won the grand prix.”

Robert made the decision to retire Catwalk while he was in “good condition and healthy”.

“He’s 18 and he’s won a lot. Last year I didn’t have many horses so I dropped down the ranking a lot, so we’ve not been able to do the better shows with him. There’s no point jumping him around lesser shows than what he’s capable of,” he said.

“The weather’s ok just now so he’s out day and night with the youngstock and he’s very happy. I have two nice eight-year-old horses, Vermento and I’m Special, so I will be concentrating on them and hopefully we can find another older horse to go to shows with them and I’ll have the three.”

Robert thanked all of Catwalk’s connections over the years including his parents, grooms and co-owner Mandy Hall.

And now for something completely different… The Whitaker family goes cross-country

Jennifer Donald — Sat, 30 Oct 2021 12:02:17 +0000

The Whitaker name is synonymous with the sport of showjumping, so seeing the legendary family tackle some cross-country fences caught us all by surprise.

But, as Robert Whitaker tells Horse & Hound, they loved every minute of the experience. He and his wife Kate took their daughters Evie, eight, and five-year-old Millie, both keen riders, to a local cross-country schooling venue near Lingfield, Surrey, and as these pictures show, it all came naturally to this gifted equestrian clan.

“We’ve taken them once before and they loved popping over some small logs and cross-country fences,” says Robert.

Evie is mounted on the lovely 12.2hh Buttons, with whom she has been showjumping competitively in classes between 60cm and 80cm, while her younger sister Millie is riding the sweet grey pony called Magnum. Both are clearly showing huge talent in the saddle, clearing the fences in great style.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

“I think it’s good for them to do a bit of everything,” Robert tells H&H. “They are really keen and it’s great that we can all go out and do something together. They’re enjoying it all and having fun, which is the main thing.

“Evie’s done a bit of Pony Club and been to Pony Club camp – it’s the best way to learn.”

A photo posted by on

But even Robert admitted he’d benefitted from the experience with the eight-year-old I’m Special Too, who has been showjumping successfully up to CSI3* level, but was equally in his element over these rustic obstacles.

“He’d never been cross-country before but he’s maybe a bit spooky at shows, so it was good to do something different,” he says. “I didn’t jump anything too massive! But it was good to have a play around and show him a few different natural fences.”

Might we see the Whitaker name on the start list at Badminton or Burghley? Watch this space…

You might also be interested in:

(Image credit: Courtesy of Robert Whitaker)

Robert Whitaker wins Arena UK Major grand prix on stallion bred by his famous father

Suzanne Jones — Wed, 29 Sep 2021 13:33:47 +0000

John Whitaker provides son Robert with a new superstar, while Charlie Dawson survives a heart-stopping moment to claim the 1.20m at the Arena UK Major Showjumping Championships

ROBERT WHITAKER landed his fourth Arena UK major grand prix title by a fraction with Vermento, a stallion son of Argento and bred by Robert’s father, John, at Arena UK Major Showjumping Championships, Lincs (20-26 September).

“I brought him here to gain experience. The track was tricky but it was great learning for him – he jumped an amazing first round,” said Robert.

Mark McGowan’s 13-fence track tested with tall, airy verticals, square oxers and technical complexities. Four of the 39 starters jumped clear with some inevitable hard-luck stories, including Mark Edwards, who joined the jump-off as the fastest four-faulter on Montreuxs Tale. He posted the quickest jump-off time, but another rail fell to drop him to fifth.

Harry Wainwright’s Pinheiro Beech and Helen Tredwell with Sebastian both posted four faults, but Robert got the audience gasping with a daring inside turn to the penultimate vertical. Then it was down to Ireland’s Paul Kennedy on the experienced Cartown Danger Mouse. They were in contention all the way, but finished 0.01sec in arrears.

The eight-year-old Vermento is out of the Skippy II mare Vicky Van De Grundeval, a former international ride for Robert.

“Dad bred him and when I couldn’t find a good horse, he suggested Vermento. He seemed the safe option as we knew him, so my owners Caroline and Stephen Blatchford bought him,” said Robert. “We’ve used Vermento occasionally at stud – he’s so well behaved for a stallion and he’s available to mares, but more jumping experience is the focus.”

Robert dominated the star of the future championship with the top two places in the nine-horse decider on eight-year-olds Ilaney and I’m Special Too DHH. He has taken over Ilaney as pupil Faye Potter is sidelined following a knee operation.

“Ilaney’s easy and gives 100% every time,” said Robert, who picked up second on I’m Special Too DHH. “He’s inexperienced but he’s qualified for Horse of the Year Show [HOYS] grade C – he’s one for the future.”

“Endless scope”

JUST 10 weeks after giving birth to baby James, Harriette Rushton secured the Foxhunter title on I Am Legend Z.

“I was back at a show three weeks later,” said Harriette, who bought the I Am Moerhoeves Star mare in Holland 15 months ago. “The jump-off suited her; she has endless scope and stride.”

Harriette Rushton I Am Legend Z (Image credit: SUZANNE JONES QUALIFIED RIGHTS)

Joe Trunkfield triumphed on ride of six weeks Grennanstown Sarco Luxhill in a head-to-head with Madison Heath’s Bouncer II to take the Trevor Burrows 1.30m final at Arena UK Major Showjumping Championships. Both hit the same fence but Joe was quicker by 4.30sec.

“He’s a character, he knows he’s good, loves to jump and loves to play as well, but once he’s jumped the first fence he’s away. He’s over 17hh, but like a pony in his head – clever, cheeky and sharp,” said Joe, of the Irish-bred 11-year-old.

“He’s been second every day, he truly deserves this,” said Charlie Dawson, after taking the 1.20m title in an 11-horse decider on the Swiss-bred Landgee CH. But they almost came to grief midway.

“He stumbled after a vertical. I had no reins to the next fence but unlike my other ‘buzzy’ horses, he’s chilled and getting used to going fast now,” added Charlie.

Charlie Dawson survived a difficult moment to win the 1.20m title on Landgee CH. (Image credit: SUZANNE JONES QUALIFIED RIGHTS)

Graham Babes claimed the six- and seven-year-old championship by 0.40sec in a competitive 11-horse jump-off on the I’m Special De Muze x Casall seven-year-old, Monks I Am Casall.

“He’s star quality. We bought him as a yearling and loved him so much, we bought his mother last year – she has an Otangelo foal this time,” said Graham.

Graham Babes riding Monks I Am Casall wins the six- and seven-year-old championship. (Image credit: SUZANNE JONES QUALIFIED RIGHTS)

Jake Saywell’s horses came to the fore in the age classes at the Arena UK Major Showjumping Championships, with Jake topping the five-year-old with Lente III.

“She’s big and careful with a big future – Hickstead’s two-week tour has made her,” said Jake, of the Grandorado TN x Tygo mare, bought 18 months ago from Willy van de Ham in Holland.

Max Swanne claimed the four-year-old style and performance by 20 points on Jake’s impressive Uptons Magic – by the Diarado stallion son Diacontinus.

“He’s been a flashy jumper with balance and presence from day one. He’s bold, careful and has plenty of stride for a 16hh horse,” said Max, who joined Jake’s Nottinghamshire base in January.

Alena Hughes – who is based with Michael Whitaker – was crowned under-25 champion with the only double clear in the 12-horse decider on Curly 76.

“Michael advised going clear but there were four following – it only takes one to beat you, so I did enough to put pressure on,” said Alena, 15, who acquired the 12-year-old Carrico daughter from Helena Stormanns and gained experience in Wellington, USA, and Germany, earlier this year.

Tom Dovkants outpaced all to take the newcomers title with the Harlequin Du Carel nine-year-old, Penhills Ginger Biscuit.

“He came as a sales livery a month ago. He’s careful, quick and there’s more to him than just an amateur’s horse,” said Leicestershire-based Tom.

“I pinched him back”

A FLYING visit from Denmark paid dividends in the Jade Wilson Ayres 1.10m grand prix for Rosie Gunn and the Arezzo VDL x Indoctro 10-year-old, Jagerbomb.

“My sister Steph has been riding him all summer and will jump in the HOYS silver league final; I’ve just pinched him back for this show,” said Rosie, who enjoyed a successful Vilamoura tour last year on Jagerbomb. “I’ll watch them at HOYS before I go back to Denmark.”

Not to be outdone, Steph claimed a victory double, taking the discovery title on Quianti E and won the 1.15m championship on the 11-year-old, Falestra V.

A new Arena UK record was set as Adrian Speight on Millfield Baloney and Alfie Bradstock aboard H D Or cleared 2.10m to share the puissance honours in front of a packed house. And Charlotte Arnold was the clear winner of the six-bar at 1.90m with the Plot Blue x Voltaire nine-year-old Leestone Blue Voltet.

Olivia Sponer, 15, landed the 148cm grand prix by more than two seconds in a five-strong decider on Intention EEZ.

“I’ve had her a year, but it was the first time I’ve asked questions against the clock,” she said.

Tilly Bamford was one of only two double clears to take the 138cm on Dizzy Rascal by 1.21sec and Liala Ramaci claimed the 128cm final on Lambay Off Broadway with the sole double clear in the jump-off.

Settling in

PAUL KENNEDY, second in the major grand prix at Arena UK Major Showjumping Championships, and partner Chloe Winchester have just returned to Chloe’s hometown of Gislingham, Suffolk, after spending several years in Europe.

“We’ve just had a new arena built by Graham Lovegrove and aim to offer training for all levels of horses and riders,” said Chloe, who spent two years with Belgium’s Karel Cox and the last six months alongside Paul at Karl Schneider’s German base.

The pair are building a team of horses. Irishman Paul fronts the team with top horse Cartown Danger Mouse, while Chloe is jumping at 1.40m level with Icaterma, owned jointly by Karel with Julia Biddle and Val Attenborough.

“And Karl also sent over two five-year-olds,” added Chloe.

This exclusive report will also be available in H&H magazine, on sale Thursday 30 September

Robert Whitaker beats father John to Cock o’the North title at Great Yorkshire Show

Margaret Shaw — Mon, 19 Jul 2021 16:37:56 +0000

Robert Whitaker pips his father John to the Cock o’the North title, local riders collect several spoils and a new course-designing team make their mark during the Great Yorkshire Show (13-16 July) at Harrogate showground

A WINNING RIDER born and bred in Yorkshire provided the perfect result for the partisan Great Yorkshire Show crowd at Harrogate. The cheers rang out long and loud for Robert Whitaker when Major Delacour produced the only triple clear to win the prestigious Ripon Select Foods Cock o’the North Championship.

“This horse is easy to ride, brave and careful, and he was spot on at every fence in every round,” said Robert, who has won this coveted title twice before, riding Ublesco and Finbarr V.

Course-designer Jason Abbs set a fair test for the 24 starters and the class developed into a real crowd pleaser with 11 combinations producing a zero score in the first round. Nine of those remained clear to contest the second jump-off, in which a skinny rail jumped downhill fell six times.

Drawn at the halfway stage, Robert Whitaker kept moving all the way and Major Delacour never faltered to post the first – and ultimately only – triple clear.

“I wanted to be quick, so we set off in a rhythm, maintained a good pace and we had a good shot to the skinny rails.

“We have done the county circuit to prepare and as Major has jumped puissance walls, I knew he was comfortable over bigger fences. I really could not have asked for more,” concluded Robert.

It proved a popular family affair when Robert’s father John Whitaker, also a previous title holder, finished second riding Unick Du Francport.

Even throwing in a few bucks along the way, the Zandor Z 13-year-old beat Robert’s winning time (45.67), but a brick slid past the point of no return at the first part of the penultimate double of Yorkshire walls for four faults (44.22).

“One brick was unlucky, but that’s showjumping and it might as well have been six,” reflected John.

“I am always more pleased when Robert wins, but I was trying to beat him,” added John with a wry smile.

Rounding out the top six on four faults were Harriet Biddick riding Galway Bay Jed, who cast a shoe in the first round, Conor McMahon (Calacas D’Aubigny), Keith Shore (Mystic Hurricane) and Paul Barker (Green Grass).

During the first round of this class, Guy Williams survived a nasty moment when his foot stuck fast in the nearside stirrup after parting company with Crispina Z at the first wall.

To her eternal credit, the horse stood stock still and speedy intervention by Simon Buckley and Joe Whitaker saw Guy freed quickly.

‘I had no great expectations’

LISA JONES and Diana P have enjoyed many showjumping successes during their seven-year partnership, but winning the International Stairway here at their local county show with the only double clear gave the popular owner and rider their biggest win.

While the pristine rings at Great Yorkshire were bathed in sunshine throughout the show, preceding torrential rain left the ground quite holding for the first couple of days. It affected some horses, but Diana P fairly skipped along.

“Diana has only just stepped up to this level and as Yorkshire tends to be one of the biggest tests, I came into the ring with no great expectations,” said Lisa.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The track included all the usual questions with a full-size water jump, a combination jumped uphill – the final part of which accounted for most faults – and the Great Yorkshire planks to finish, keeping clear rounds to a premium.

Just two combinations, Lisa and Diana P and John Whitaker riding Chankar Mail, maintained a zero score in the first round and they were joined in the (top five) jump-off by the fastest four-faulters Will Fletcher (Persimmon), Simon Buckley (Elia) and eventual fourth Mark Edwards (Montreuxs Tale).

After Stairway league leader Mark opened with another four-fault round to finish on eight, the pressure mounted on the leading two when Persimmon and Elia produced classic second-round clears for Will (51.66) and Simon (52.40).

John followed, but sadly for the supporting crowd, he slipped down to fifth when Chankar Mail lowered two of the last three fences.

Needing a clear round to win, Lisa returned with Diana P and she did not disappoint.

“She has a super brain, and she wants to win, but it has to be her way, so I have to subtly let her think everything is all her own work.

“It was a big test, and I thought the camber of the ring and the ground would play its part, but Diana never faltered,” said Lisa.

Riding a former eventer, Will felt safe in the knowledge that Persimmon (Percy) would not be unduly affected by the slopes or the going, and they came to Yorkshire in good Stairway form having won at the South of England.

“Percy puts everything into his rounds and as he loves a big grass arena I can get the best out of him,” said Will, who after lowering an early rail in the first round, picked up the pace to ensure a later jump-off position behind the two clears.

A magical winning double

TO record one win here is a great achievement, but Yorkshire rider Laura Stephenson enjoyed a magical winning double when her partner of 12 years Catherston Connor combined speed, accuracy, and agility to win the William Hanson Stakes and the Rudding Park Great Yorkshire Championship.

On the back of recent wins at Dean Valley and South View, the flying grey was truly in his element in this vast arena, and he matched his rider’s determination to pull off a series of tight turns consistently and successfully.

Even though they were well up on the clock in the three-strong jump-off in the William Hanson Stakes, Laura steered the acutest of angles to the final Yorkshire Planks, which Connor pinged over.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

“In a small ring, Connor can lose time as he jumps so high, but in this arena, he covers the ground, but he can still turn back on a sixpence.

“I wanted to win and set my mind to do all the turns and angle fences, and everything paid off in both classes,” said Laura, who triumphed in the 2008 Cock O’The North Championship riding Sultano.

Set as the final 1.60m joker in front of the stands, the traditional Yorkshire planks played a huge part in the opening Badsworth Stakes Accumulator, in which riders had to risk galloping to them and clearing them to reap the reward.

Eight combinations did just that, with victory going to late drawn Adrian Speight and Millfield Baloney, who finished ahead of Mark Edwards riding Tinkers Tale and the pathfinders Kerry Brennan and Wellington M.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Having jumped mainly in Europe last season to keep ticking over, Adrian had “Louis” ready to bounce back after lockdown.

“It took a few outings to grind the rust off, but we are now enjoying the bigger shows.

“Louis is very rideable, and he has a great jump, but my arms were going like mad to push uphill for that joker,” said Adrian.

Saving the best ‘til last

THE irrepressible pair of Kerry and Wellington M made the most of the show being extended by one day and they saved their best until last to gain a decisive victory in the final Jon Doney Memorial Great Yorkshire Challenge.

Eight combinations came through to contest the jump-off, in which a typically determined round from Kerry saw Wellington M (40.14) finish ahead of Paul Barker riding Green Grass (41.56).

“Welly has enjoyed being a field pony during lockdown,” said Kerry.

“Work at home does not impress him, or get him fit, so it has taken a few outings to get him excited and he was certainly up for this today.

“This open track suited him, and after holding him to the double, I let him run down the final line, which he loves to do.”

For end-to-end action and thrills, the Yorkshire Dales Ice Cream mini-major whip attracted great crowd support, mainly due to Nick Brooks-Ward whipping the spectators up into a frenzy with his informative and amusing commentary.

Producing the winning round were Ella Kay (Kilcreene Apollo) and her partner Ben Hobday (Shadow Man).

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Competing for the first time here, 10-year-old Ella oozed confidence and took charge during the course walk.

“I really wanted to win and as Apollo is very fast and careful and he looks after me I cut all the corners and jumped across the angles,” said Ella, who gave the same instructions to Ben.

“After Ella’s flying round, I felt the pressure, but followed instructions. Ella is a top trainer, I think I might book in for a lesson,” quipped Ben.

New course designer steps up

FOLLOWING the retirement of Bob Ellis after many years of service, it was all change in the course-builders’ corners.

Having worked under Bob and learned his Yorkshire Show trade for 10 years, Harrogate course-designer Jason Abbs has now stepped up to number one, with Ben Townley coming in to assist along with continued support from Kevin Millman.

“After the deluge, until the ground improved, we made a few concessions to get horses jumping with confidence,” said Jason.

“There is a fine balance between competitive sport and fairness to horses, and while course-designers cannot please everyone, I think the tracks did what they set out to do, and no-one said any course was unfair.

“There is always a great deal of pressure but having a good team behind me allowed me to focus on designing the next courses.

“The standout classes for me – and won by Yorkshire riders with the only double and triple clears – were the Stairway and Cock O’The North, and it was lovely to see those two great legends of showjumping, David Broome and Harvey Smith, walking the Cock O’The North course,” concluded Jason.

This report is also available to read in Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday 22 July

Meet John Whitaker’s handsome home-bred — could he be son Robert’s next superstar?

Jennifer Donald — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 12:24:46 +0000

On a recent visit to Robert Whitaker’s yard, we were really impressed to meet this strapping seven-year-old stallion named Vermento.

This handsome fellow stands over 17hh and was bred at home by Robert’s father John Whitaker. Vermento has his sire Argento’s DNA stamped all over him and looks to have also inherited the jumping genes from his dam, Vicky Van De Grundeval (by Skippy II), who was a top grand prix mare for Robert.

Vermento simply oozes star quality and Robert is very excited about what the future could hold for this youngster.

“I often have to sell the young horses to keep everything going but Vermento was bought from my Dad by Caroline and Stephen Blatchford so I could keep the ride,” says Robert.

“They are fantastic backers, who want to keep horses for Team GB, which is so important, and it’s nice to have someone backing me. You need that. It’s so important because I think the horsepower in Great Britain has been down in the past couple of years and a lot of horses in this country get sold abroad pretty quickly. So it’s great when owners really want to keep the horses, especially for Nations Cups and the Olympics.”

Robert Whitaker at his yard, Brook Farm, near Crawley in West Sussex in the UK, on the 4th February 2020 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Vermento began his career with John in the saddle, as well as Robert’s sister Joanne, and enjoyed a successful run on the Spanish Sunshine Tour before heading to Germany to contest some further young horse classes.

Article continues below…

You might also be interested in:

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

H&H interview: showjumper Robert Whitaker

The leading showjumper talks to Jennifer Donald about Catwalk IV, the tough quest for future stars and hoping to represent

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Robert first took the reins a year ago and just last week they finished runner-up in a young horse class back in Germany. Could this seven-year-old be Robert’s ticket to the big time?

“I do believe that when I find that elusive superstar I could be the family’s next world number one, but it’s funny how it goes,” says Robert. “The highest ranking I’ve achieved is number 12 and that was over a decade ago when I had Lacroix, Rusedski, Prima Vera and Nicolette — very good horses who all won grands prix. I realise now just how difficult that is to achieve.

“But young horses like Vermento really motivate me.”

You can read the full interview with Robert Whitaker in this week’s Horse & Hound (out now, dated 12 March).

Would you like to read Horse & Hound’s independent journalism without any adverts? Join Horse & Hound Plus today and you can read all articles on HorseandHound.co.uk completely ad-free.

H&H interview: showjumper Robert Whitaker

Jennifer Donald — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 09:00:10 +0000

The leading showjumper talks to Jennifer Donald about Catwalk IV, the tough quest for future stars and hoping to represent his family at the World Cup Final

It’s been 29 years since the Whitaker name was last etched on the World Cup trophy. But next month, Robert is hoping to join the elopers, gamblers and thrill-seekers boarding a Las Vegas-bound flight for the prestigious final.

It was Robert’s father John who rode Milton to the first of their back-to-back World Cup victories back in 1990, but memories of his uncle Michael’s runner-up finish at the world-famous Thomas and Mack Center in 2005 have really inspired Robert this season.

“That event was something special. I’ve jumped in a few World Cup Finals, but I’ve always wanted to compete in Vegas,” says the 37-year-old Yorkshireman, who just missed out on automatic qualification – competition to secure a place at this year’s finale has been hotter than the Nevada sun. He remains hopeful he could yet qualify on a wild card.

Robert’s leading partner this season has been his stable superstar Catwalk IV – the 17-year-old who was wayward in his youth, but has been nurtured into a top grand prix horse.

“He certainly had a lot of character as a young horse, but he’s just been incredible,” says Robert. “Some horses lose their jump as they get older, but he doesn’t feel like a 17-year-old – he’s still so scopey and finds it all very easy.”

In Helsinki in November, Robert not only won his first World Cup qualifier, but also secured a rare double when heading the show’s grand prix, too.

“It was crazy – I can’t explain it,” says Robert, searching for the words to describe that momentous weekend. “You know things like that can happen, but when they do… Catwalk was jumping so well and it was just one of those weekends that was meant to happen. Over the past couple of years, I’ve had a few other horses, but various things have gone wrong and it’s always ended up coming back to Catwalk. He’s incredible.”

But herein lies the problem for Robert – to remain competitive through a long season, modern-day showjumpers need at least two or three top mounts and, despite casting his net far and wide, his search has proved elusive. While Catwalk has remained the backbone to a successful international campaign, retirement is looming and a lack of horsepower weighs heavy on Robert’s mind.

“When you only have one horse to jump the big classes, you have to take it step by step because you can’t chase them all. You can also be winning one week and have a lame horse the next,” he says.

“To be able to set goals and achieve them, you need the horses, but it takes time. So you need resilience, but it’s hard to stay positive sometimes. I’m staying motivated, but I hope things come in my direction.”

One problem, Robert ponders, is that many people assume that being part of the legendary Whitaker dynasty means they’re never short of horses. He reveals: “That’s not the case and in the past few years, I haven’t been offered many horses to ride at all. People will spend big money on a horse and just presume we’re doing well so they don’t need to send it to us. But we’re always looking for new superstars and new owners; we want to work with everyone. And if someone has a good horse that they want to see competing at good shows, we’re the best people to get in touch with, because there aren’t many shows we can’t ride at.”

Building an entire yard from scratch

Robert has settled in West Sussex with his wife Kate and two children, having built his entire yard from scratch over the past three years.

As we amble down the cosy American barn-style stables on a Baltic winter’s day, a string of inquisitive faces glance up from their lunchtime feed buckets.

As well as good old Catwalk, there’s Strides Hatton’s Treasure, Jessie Drea’s top horse Dekato, multi-winning Major Delacour, the exciting six-year-old Cavaso Z and new ride Cirrus – as well as barns full of home-breds and youngstock. But really catching the eye as he stands proudly under the heat lamps is a strapping black stallion, whose star quality is almost breathtaking. Meet Vermento, a seven-year-old bred by John out of Robert’s former top ride Vicky Van De Grundeval and with his sire Argento’s DNA stamped all over him. Could this drop-dead handsome fellow, who towers well over 17hh, potentially be Robert’s future champion?

“I often have to sell the young horses to keep everything going, but Vermento was bought from my dad by Caroline and Stephen Blatchford so I could keep the ride,” says Robert. “They are fantastic backers.

“I do believe when I find that elusive superstar I could be the family’s next world number one. The highest ranking I’ve achieved is number 12 and that was over a decade ago.”

Being a member of the close-knit Whitaker family means there’s a constant web of support.

“My dad and I still have horses together and I speak to both my parents if I have any issues,” says Robert, whose sisters Louise and Joanne are well known for producing younger horses.

“I do a lot of shows with [Uncle] Michael so we’re pretty close, too, and he lent me El Wee Widge for a bit while I was short of a horse – we’re always helping each other and you know there’s always someone to turn to for advice.”

‘It’s a tough sport’

Robert has been married to showjumper Kate for five years and she completes the team perfectly through her forte of educating their young horses. The next generation, daughters Evie, six, and Millie, three, both have ponies and encourage Robert to maximise his time at home.

“I leave for shows as late as possible and get back as soon as I can because otherwise you could be away from Wednesday to Monday,” he explains. “It’s great to take the kids out for a day away from the horses. They seem keen on riding, but I’m not over-fussed about them following in my footsteps – it’s a tough sport. If they want to do it, I’ll try to help as best as I can, but if they take another direction I’ll support them in that, too.”

Can Robert see himself enjoying the same longevity as his father? He laughs: “I definitely won’t be jumping at my dad’s age! But I’m sure I’ll be riding for a lot longer yet because I haven’t achieved all the things I want to – I’ve never competed at Aachen, I’ve never jumped on a championship or Olympic team. And to be world number one is something I’d love.”

With an appreciative glance towards the glittering array of silverware that decorates the shelves of his snug office, he adds: “I do look at these and think, ‘Wow, I have won a lot, including a few five star grands prix, but I haven’t achieved as much as some riders and there are still a lot of big ones I want to win.’

“Even when you’re not on the best horse you have to believe you can win. If you don’t believe, it just won’t happen. The sport has become so competitive that leaving one stride out can make the difference between finishing first or fourth. I always watch the action when I can – there are so many small things you can pick up on. I’ve seen for example, if the distance is on a dog-leg and it’s a steady seven strides, some people take the outside line to ride a quicker seven. You can always keep improving and changing your tactics.”

Whether or not Robert makes it to Nevada next month, there is still plenty to look forward to this year.

“The Olympics wouldn’t be an aim for Catwalk – he doesn’t jump water amazingly,” he explains. “Otherwise I probably would have gone to Rio with him. I pick the shows that suit him and try to win as much as I can, but I really have to do my own thing rather than try to be part of Nations Cups and other teams. If I had the right horse I’d love to support the team, and hopefully that horse may be just around the corner – you never know.”

Ref Horse & Hound; 12 March 2020

‘He was unbelievable’: Whitaker secures sensational first World Cup win

Eleanor Jones — Mon, 28 Oct 2019 12:41:51 +0000

Britain’s Robert Whitaker secured his first ever World Cup win in Helsinki yesterday (27 October) on his long-term ride Catwalk IV.

Robert and the 16-year-old gelding beat Spain’s Sergio Alvarez Moya and Jet Run into second place in the Finnish leg of the 2019-20 Longines World Cup series, the final of which was won by Robert’s father John and the legendary Milton in 1990 and 1991.

The tight dimensions of the Ice Hall in Helsinki may not be to some horses’ liking, but Robert said: “He just likes arenas like this — he has a lot of power and he can easily jump big fences off a turn, although today he was unbelievable.”

One fence in particular proved influential in Brazilian Guilherme Jorge’s track; a blue wall that scuppered the hopes of top combinations including world number one Steve Guerdat on Alamo, on whom he won the World Cup final in April but who ran out at the fence in the first round.

The wall was also a factor in deciding the final result, as Kevin Staut also parted company with For Joy van’t Zorgvliet HDC there, after a “scramble”.

But Catwalk IV took the wall on with “gusto” in both rounds to take the win in a nine-strong jump-off, having also won the grand prix the previous day.

Continues below…

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Did Robert Whitaker set new world bareback puissance record?

The 27-year-old and Waterstone jumped a 2.12m wall on Friday at Stockholm, and possibly into the record books

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

‘I spent 35 minutes editing out genitalia’: gung-ho vets strip off for calendar

‘Everyone’s nervous before the first de-robing but as soon as they get their clothes off, it’s mad’

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

“He hasn’t been over-jumped recently so he was fit enough to go well in both classes here,” Robert said. “I just think when he jumps well, he’s as good as any!”

Robert is now among those with his sights set on the 2020 Longines World Cup final in Las Vegas next April. The top 18 on points in the western European league will qualify.

The third round of the 14-leg western European league gets under way in Lyon, France, next Sunday.

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

Williams and Whitaker clear 7ft2in for HOYS puissance honours

Jennifer Donald — Sun, 06 Oct 2019 08:13:30 +0000

Guy Williams and Robert Whitaker cleared a seriously impressive height of 7ft2in (2.20m) to win the Ripon Select Foods Puissance at Horse of the Year Show on Saturday night (5 October).

In front of a packed-out crowd, a field of 12 starters were whittled down to four for the fifth and final round over the big red wall.

Robert Whitaker and class debutant Major Delacour were the first to leave the bricks untouched before Guy Williams, who shared victory in this class last year, returned with his high-jump specialist Mr Blue Sky UK to soar over the imposing obstacle and make it four wins out of four on his puissance record.

“He’s a really good horse and he just takes you to the fence,” said Guy. “It’s almost like the bigger it gets, the better he jumps. He hasn’t done a puissance since Olympia last year, it’s not something you want to do too often.

“In a puissance it is really tempting to attack the fence early on, but I try and hold them until the last round,” explained Guy. “It’s a fun class to ride in and the audience really enjoy it which makes you want to win. My kids beg me to do this class every year, they just love it. I used to come and watch at HOYS with my mum and dad so it’s great to now be here with my children.”

Robert was equally delighted with his performance.

“I just knew he’d be a good puissance horse,” he said. “I’ve been riding him now for about a year and he is a very brave jumper. I couldn’t have asked any more of him tonight, he felt better and better each round, I even think he could have kept going. There’s always a good crowd here on a Saturday night and it’s a good one for them to get behind. I’ll probably do the puissance at Olympia and see if we can win there too.”

Don’t miss the full report from Horse of the Year Show in this week’s Horse & Hound, out Thursday, 10 October.

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.

Article continues below…

You might also be interested in:

(Image credit: Jon Stroud)

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

The US rider repeats her first place from yesterday tonight in Paris, while Michael and Robert Whitaker both make the

(Image credit: Jon Stroud)

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

The US was the dominant nation tonight in the first leg of the World Cup jumping final, while Britain’s pair

(Image credit: Jon Stroud)

World Cup dressage final showdown: 1.5% separates Isabell Werth and Laura Graves

The World Cup dressage final came to a tense climax this afternoon in Paris as the top two combinations went

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.”

Article continues below…

You might also be interested in:

(Image credit: jon stroud)

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

The US was the dominant nation tonight in the first leg of the World Cup jumping final, while Britain’s pair

(Image credit: jon stroud)

Top British contenders out of World Cup final

There was disappointment as a slight injury ruled the combination out of the competition

(Image credit: jon stroud)

Form book upset at World Cup dressage final: ‘It’s Friday 13th; it’s not my day’

Mistakes for the favourite and a personal best for the challenger led to a clean win for the US in

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.

Article continues below…

You might also be interested in:

(Image credit: jon stroud)

Top British contenders out of World Cup final

There was disappointment as a slight injury ruled the combination out of the competition

(Image credit: jon stroud)

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

The uncle and nephew are to fly the Union Flag in Paris this spring

(Image credit: jon stroud)

15 utterly brilliant moments you may have missed from the Blue Chip Winter Champs

For five days (4-8 April 2018) Hartpury Arena in Gloucestershire hosted a jam-packed schedule for the Blue Chip Winter Championships

“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.

Article continues below…

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Whitaker family make history

The Whitakers will make show jumping history when they form a Nations Cup team to compete in CSIO Drammen in

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

John Whitaker meets Ludger Beerbaum

Showjumping legend John Whitaker is Horse & Hound’s guest editor this week (2 April issue) and he gave himself the

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Gothenburg warm-up video causes heated debate online

A video of a rider warming up for a class in Gothenburg has sparked heated debate online

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.

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.

Find out who inspires our top riders PLUS get game-changing training advice for 2017

Madeleine Silver — Thu, 05 Jan 2017 15:31:06 +0000

Don't miss today's issue of Horse & Hound magazine to read our two new series — 'Inspirations' and 'Master It With...'

Two new series have been launched for 2017 in today’s issue of Horse & Hound magazine (5 January 2017).

The first is ‘Master It With…’ where a top rider takes readers through a step-by-step guide to an exercise targeting a specific area of performance.

The series kicks off with showjumper Robert Whitaker who shares his exercise for shortening and lengthening your horse’s stride using cavaletti — including an easy-to-follow diagram and the pitfalls to avoid.

“What better time than the beginning of the new year to start bringing you ideas from the best riders and trainers in the world that will help rejuvenate and vary your schooling — and hopefully provoke a turning point in your horse’s way of going and results,” said H&H‘s content director Sarah Jenkins.

“‘Master it with…’ presents an insight into the daily training of those we admire and in some cases aspire to emulate. It is wonderful that these incredibly successful horsemen are so open and willing to share a key secret of their success with readers in this way.”

H&H‘s inside back page will now feature our new ‘Inspirations‘ series, where equestrian personalities tell us about the people and horses who have inspired and motivated them during their careers.

The series launches with dressage Olympian Laura Tomlinson, who tells us about learning from Klaus Balkenhol’s wealth of experience — and the power of his subtle techniques.

“In a similarly open way, through our new weekly ‘Inspirations’ feature top equestrians reveal the motivation behind their success,” added Sarah.

“Talent alone doesn’t get results, and it takes something, perhaps another rider, a trainer, a horse or a specific experience to propel the real greats to the top. It’s fascinating to hear from these riders what the catalyst was for them — and intriguing in some instances to note how different things were at that point and how times have changed.”

Top names lined up for these series include William Funnell, Piggy French and Ferdi Eilberg for ‘Inspirations’ and Richard Davison, Katie Jerram and Joe Clee for ‘Master It With…’

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)

Robert Whitaker back in the saddle after missing HOYS due to ill health

Rachael Turner — Thu, 22 Oct 2015 13:55:57 +0000

Robert Whitaker is back in the saddle after abandoning competition at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) earlier this month (7-11 October).

The British showjumper fell unwell and was unable to compete in his classes as planned.

Robert had high blood pressure but told H&H he is now feeling in good health and is back in training as usual.

“I’m fine, I’ve started riding again now,” he said on 21 October.

“I just had a high blood pressure for some reason, but it seems to be ok now.”

Robert, whose father is John Whitaker, was due to jump in the Addington Manor talent seekers and Connolly’s Red Mills senior newcomers championship on 7 October.

John stood in for his son in the talent seekers riding Hold On Tight II, finishing fourth.

Phillip Miller rode Noble Warrior for Robert in the newcomers championship. The pair had four faults in the first round.

Robert has had a successful year to date.

In May, the 32-year-old helped take the British team to victory in the Nations Cup in Italy.

“It was absolutely fantastic. My job is made very easy by having a fantastic squad of riders, who were fabulous today,” said team performance manager Di Lampard at the time.

On 28 June he won the Equerry Horse Feeds CSI4* at Bolesworth International riding USA Today.

“I had quite a good draw today and it worked well for me. There weren’t many jumping clears in the jump off and it did take a bit of jumping,” he told H&H at the show.

“Today suited him as there were lots of tight turns there in the jump off and he’s so careful.”

Robert Whitaker: ‘Spectators want a good jump-off’ [H&H VIP]

Horse & Hound — Sun, 24 May 2015 07:55:49 +0000

Royal Windsor is as good as a lot of shows in Europe. It’s fantastic for owners and riders, and the crowd makes such a difference, although the weather can be an influence. It’s not so far from home but I stayed Saturday night and we watched the Household Cavalry and the Shetland Grand National. My daughter Evie loved it, and it makes a great family day out for competitors and spectators.

One of the best things is being able to also bring some young horses for the national classes. This main ring is a great experience for them. One of mine I’m really excited about is the Brendon Stud’s six-year-old stallion Noble Warrior. He has lots of scope, he’s careful and has a very good attitude — I think he’s one for the big stuff.

We’ve lost one CSI3* class per day to the CSI* competitions, but the format still works well. They may have extended the time a bit too much on Friday but with only around 30 riders in a class, they don’t want to build it too big then not have a jump-off — spectators want to see a decent finish and the jump-offs have been good all week.

A nice touch is that, because there’s a fair walk between the lorry park and the stables, they provide you with trucks and tractors to help you shift all your equipment — that’s a massive help for the grooms.

I’ve always gone quite well at Windsor for some reason and Catwalk is on good form so I was trying hard to defend my grand prix title on Sunday (pictured). We’re in Rome this week for the first point-scoring Nations Cup round so, if I’m selected on the team, I hope Catwalk can help do us proud.

Ref: Horse & Hound; 21 May 2015

British showjumpers on a roll in Nations Cup series [VIDEO]

Horse & Hound — Sat, 23 May 2015 11:56:15 +0000

The Great Britain team of John Whitaker (Argento), Michael Whitaker (Cassionato), Robert Whitaker (Catwalk IV) and Holly Gillott (Dougie Douglas) won the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup at Piazza di Siena in Rome, Italy on Friday (22 May). This comes on the back of another outstanding Team GB success in the Nations Cup of La Baule, France, the week before.

“It was absolutely fantastic. My job is made very easy by having a fantastic squad of riders, who were fabulous last week in La Baule and were fabulous today,” said the team performance manager Di Lampard.

The win was all the more important as Rome marked the first of Great Britain’s chosen point-scoring rounds in the series and a maximum score sets them up for their remaining three challenges in Rotterdam, Hickstead and Dublin.

The three Whitakers produced impeccable clear rounds in the first round, with Holly Gillott’s 12 penalties being the discard score after her 10-year-old chestnut gelding resented a little the exceptionally wet, sloppy ground following torrential rain and hail in the hours preceding the class.

John Whitaker and Argento help the British team to win the Nations Cup in Rome (Image credit: creditUnknown)

The Leicestershire-based 25-year-old came back for the second round with a much better performance: increased confidence in the fast-improving ground conditions meant a fluid, flawless round allowing Britain to keep reigning Furusiyya champions, the Netherlands, at a distance. Robert Whitaker’s otherwise perfect round was marred by an unlucky mistake at the very last fence, while Michael produced a very careful round with one time penalty.

This meant that the nail-biting finale was down to the last combination, that of John Whitaker and Argento. Because of his brother’s single time fault, one fence down on John’s part would have meant a Dutch win.

In a classic last-to-go performance, the 59-year-old kept his cool and, with one of only four double clears over the Uliano Vezzani-designed course, produced a perfect round to seal the win for Britain.

“I was very pleased — it is a great one to win, as it is a counting one for us,” said John.

Don’t miss the full report from Rome in next week’s issue of Horse & Hound, out Thursday 28 May.

Dermott Lennon triumphs in Royal Windsor grand prix

Jennifer Donald — Sun, 17 May 2015 17:38:13 +0000

Irishman Dermott Lennon lifted the €13,000 top prize in a gripping finale to Sunday’s CSI3* Alltech grand prix at Royal Windsor Horse Show (13-17 May).

Riding the 13-year-old Limmerick mare, who has shown such consistent form of late, the pair swooped round in a four-rider jump-off to take the spoils.

“With only four in it, if you don’t go well you’re fourth so you might as well try,” said Dermott, who was nearly 2sec quicker than his rivals on his first visit to the show in almost a decade.

British riders filled the next two places in the prize-giving with last year’s winner Robert Whitaker taking the runner-up spot on Catwalk IV and 21-year-old Yazmin Pinchen slotting in to third on the 12-year-old stallion Van De Vivaldi.

Michel Hecart of France was the unlucky fourth placed rider on Quatrin De La Roque.

But most unfortunate of all were the trio who finished round one clear for jumping but with a time-fault apiece — Robert Smith (Bavi), Tim Page (Santa Cruise) and John Whitaker (Castlefield Cristobal 21). They filled fifth, sixth and seventh places respectively in a strong class for the home contingent.

Earlier in the day, Laura Renwick snatched her second victory of the five-day show. The Essex-based rider scored a somewhat unlikely success in the 1.40m speed stakes in the Castle Arena riding Rembrandt Blue — fastest of the 22 starters, despite 8seconds to add with two fences down.

“That must go down as one of my luckiest wins!” she said.

The Windsor one-star grand prix was won by US rider Emma Heise on Viper Vrombautshoeve Z, with Great Britain’s Nina Barbour finishing second on the 15-year-old gelding Calle.

Don’t miss the full report covering all the action at the CHI Royal Windsor Horse Show in next week’s issue of Horse & Hound, out Thursday 21 May.

Marco Kutscher lands the World Cup qualifier at Olympia

Storm Johnson — Sun, 21 Dec 2014 18:17:48 +0000

German riders dominated a top class afternoon of showjumping at the London International Horse Show Olympia.

Marco Kutscher and Cornet’s Cristallo triumphed in the Longines FEI World Cup qualifier (Sunday 21 December), just beating his team-mate Daniel Deusser with an equally daring performance on catch ride Carriere.

Third place went to Sweden’s Malin Baryard-Johnsson riding the 14-year-old one-eyed stallion H&M Tornesch – a great result for her sponsors on Olympia’s H&M Sunday.

Robert Whitaker (Catwalk IV) finished best of the British riders in fourth – no mean feat from a difficult first draw in an electric 13-rider jump-off. Ireland’s Bertram Allen, 19, recorded the fastest time of the afternoon but with one down on the 10-year-old mare Molly Malone V for seventh.

“I actually didn’t have the perfect jump-off – the beginning was fine but I missed coming in to the double,” said Marco, previously based with the great Ludger Beerbaum. “I hoped I was quicker but only when I saw the screen was I sure. It’s a very special show and I look forward to coming here every year. I was actually lucky that some other German riders cancelled so I got in. But it’s one of my favourite shows of the indoor season.”

Second placed Daniel Deusser, the current World Cup title-holder, only sat on 11-year-old mare Carriere on Tuesday after two of his top horses were injured. Five days later they were on the podium in London.

“She’s done an unbelievable job today,” he said.

Robert Whitaker and the 11-year-old Catwalk IV have been on flying form recently with some good results in Madrid and La Coruna. Find out what he thinks is the secret to this quirky horse’s success in this video below.

Don’t miss the bumper report from all the jumping action at Olympia in next week’s issue of Horse & Hound, out on 31 December.

British showjumping team for Nations Cup final revealed

Amy Mathieson — Tue, 23 Sep 2014 16:57:26 +0000

The five showjumpers who will represent Britain in the final of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup in Barcelona next month (9-12 October) have been selected.

Spencer Roe (Wonder Why), Joe Clee (Utamaro d’Ecaussines) and Michael Whitaker (Elie van de Kolmen or Cassionato), who all rode at the World Equestrian Games (WEG) earlier this month have been chosen.

William Whitaker (Fandango) and his cousin Robert Whitaker (Catwalk IV) make up the squad.

After uncertain approach to the final, Britain scraped through to qualify at the last opportunity — at Dublin in August.

The final of the series takes place at the Real Polo Club de Barcelona and will see 18 teams from nine countries battle it out.

The final will consist of three competitions. The top eight teams from the opening class will go to the third and final competition, while the remainder will compete in the Challenge Cup, which will be held before the final competition.

Last year, despite Scott Brash earning a bumper €100,000 jackpot when jumping a double clear, Great Britain only finished 8th of 18.

This year the final clashes with the Horse of the Year Show in Birmingham (8-12 October).

Robert Whitaker’s Finbarr V dies aged 17

Horse & Hound — Mon, 01 Sep 2014 10:41:39 +0000

Robert Whitaker‘s puissance star Finbarr V has died aged 17.

The gelding was put down last week (Thursday 28 August).

He had an incurable, recurring lymphangitis and had recently become very ill.

Finbarr V was owned by Mandy Hall. With Robert the showjumper enjoyed great success, especially in puissance classes — including at the 2008 Horse of the Year Show and 2007 and 2006 Olympia.

In later years he was competed at a lower level by Kayleigh Watts.

“He was a great horse to me winning grands prix, breaking six-bar records and of course winning so many puissances. The good times will always be remembered,” said Robert.

Owner Mandy Hall told H&H: “He was a horse of a lifetime and has given us so much pleasure.”

British squad named for Hickstead Nations Cup

Amy Mathieson — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 17:00:38 +0000

British team manager Rob Hoekstra has named his squad for the Nations Cup at Hickstead next month (1 August).

Guy Williams, Ben Maher, Robert Whitaker, William Whitaker and Jessie Drea will represent the country at the show, part of the Furusiyya FEI 5* Nations Cup series.

The Hickstead competition will be the third of four within the series in which Great Britain aim to secure a place in the final and in next year’s series.

Hickstead Nations Cup squad

Jessie Drea and Touchable, a 13 year-old chestnut mare owned by Lynne Humphries and Equine America.

Ben Maher and 11-year-old mare Wings Sublieme, owned by Stone Ridge Farms LLC.

Robert Whitaker, with his parent’s (John and Clare) 11 year-old stallion Catwalk IV (pictured top).

William Whitaker with his partner’s (Elisabeth Fredlund) 11-year-old bay gelding Fandango.

Guy Williams and 10-year-old bay gelding Zaire, owned by Caroline Phillips.

Don’t miss H&H for full coverage on the Nations Cup (7 August issue) and follow online.

Great Britain triumphant in Nations Cup

Jennifer Donald — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 13:30:00 +0000

Great Britain secured victory in the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup in St Gallen, Switzerland last Friday (30 May) after a thrilling tussle with Spain.

The squad of Robert Whitaker (Catwalk IV), Guy Williams (Zaire), Dan Neilson (Varo M) and Guy Williams (Zaire) held their nerve and produced some classy performances to finish 1 penalty ahead in a tough competition where time-faults proved hugely influential.

“To say we are delighted would be an understatement,” said performance manager Rob Hoekstra. “As a non-point scoring leg of the series, we came out with a team of younger horses to give them experience of competing at this level along with some younger riders, who are still very much cutting their teeth on senior teams.”

Results

Great Britain 3 faults: Varo M (Daniel Neilson) 12/0, Wonder Why (Spencer Roe) 1/1, Catwalk IV (Robert Whitaker) 0/1, Zaire (Guy Williams) 0/9.
Spain 4 faults: Darius (Manuel Fernandez Saro) 1/1, Prunella D’Ariel (Paola Amilibia) 6/5, Rico Revel (Eduardo Alvarez Aznar) 1/1, Zipper (Sergio Moya) 0/0.
Sweden 10 faults: Casello (Douglas Lindelow) 4/4, Titan (Emma Emanuelsson) 5/1, Caral (Niklas Jonsson) 10/0, H&M Sibon (Peder Fredricson) 0/0.
Switzerland 14 faults: Toulago (Pius Schwizer) 4/0, Castlefield Eclipse (Paul Estermann) 5/8, Pablo de Virton (Jane Richard Philips) 8/0, Nino des Buissonnets (Steve Guerdat) 1/4.
Ukraine 16 faults: Vivant (Cassio Rivetti) 5/0, Charlie (Katharina Offel) 1/0, Chadino (Ferenc Szentirmai) 1/9, K Club Lady (Oleg Krasyuk) 8/9.
Belgium 19 faults: Loro Piana Once de Kreisker (Philippe Le Jeune) 1/9, Cabrio van de Heffinck (Olivier Philippaerts) 1/4, Domino (Jos Verlooy) 5/5, Cortez (Nicola Philippaerts) 4/4.
France 20 faults: Reveur de Hurtebise HDC (Kevin Staut) 8/0, Padock du Plessie HN (Timothee Anciaume) 4/0, Carlitto Van-T Zorgvliet (Anne Sophie Godart) 16/24, Qarat de la Loge (Julien Epaillard) 4/4.
Netherlands 31 faults: Vignet (Johnn Pals) 1/4, Alex (Maureen Bonder) 9/1, Dynamite V Hazelarenhoekje (Jody Van Gerwen) 11/5, Interline H (Robert Vos) 17/8.

Don’t miss the full report from St Gallen, plus an international round-up in this week’s issue of Horse & Hound magazine (out Thursday, 5 June).

John Whitaker: Why the new-look Windsor deserves at least 4-star status [H&H VIP]

Horse & Hound — Sat, 24 May 2014 12:00:36 +0000

Windsor Horse Show excelled itself this year, it really worked. The weather can make or break the show but, thanks to glorious sunshine, it’s been packed every day, which makes for a real feel-good atmosphere. It’s such a thrill to jump in front of an enthusiastic crowd, who appreciate good sport, in such a beautiful setting.

I don’t think there have been any complaints and it could even go up a star next year.

The riders who have come here are all very competitive and it’s made for some great competitions, although Abdullah Al Sharbatly proved very hard to beat! Italy’s Emanuele Gaudiano has been winning everywhere recently, he’s gone right up the rankings and he tries very hard all the time.

So they’re probably not the most famous international riders who have come here, but they’re good ones — including the current world champion Philippe Le Jeune. For sure, word will get out and the foreign entry will improve — a couple of riders, who haven’t been before, said to me how impressed they were with the facilities, the setting and the whole show.

But the quality of the jumping can also be attributed to the fantastic Martin Collins surface here. You can go so fast because the horses are just so sure-footed on it and you can turn really tight, they don’t slip at all.

And how good it is to have another international show here in Britain with world ranking classes, because, in general, our national shows suffer at the hands of the ranking lists these days. It’s the way it is, but it’s difficult to get round.

I didn’t bring Argento to Windsor, instead using it as an opportunity to try out the other horses. Uni Stop was at his first show with me and, because he’d been placed all week, I tried him in the grand prix. Although he had 2 down this time, I know now that I can take him to a decent show and I’ll have a good chance. Woulon L jumped clear in 2 of the big classes. I had one down in each of the jump-offs, but sometimes that’s what happens when you’re trying to win! And Lord Of Arabia hasn’t had a fence down all week.

But the highlight of the show came on Sunday, seeing my son Robert

and nephew William finish first and second in the grand prix. You can’t beat that.

This article was first published in the 22 May issue of Horse & Hound magazine

Whitaker one-two in Windsor grand prix

Jennifer Donald — Sun, 18 May 2014 18:48:33 +0000

Robert Whitaker has landed the Alltech grand prix for the Kingdom of Bahrain Trophy at Royal Windsor Horse Show. The 31-year-old rode his mother Clare’s Catwalk IV to victory, beating his cousin William Whitaker (Fandango) into second, with Dan Neilson third on Varo M.

“He’s 11 now, but he’s still improving and there isn’t a fence too big for him,” said Robert after a thrilling 11-rider jump-off. “He gets better at every show. He was superb today.”

The capacity crowd had plenty to cheer about, with seven of the top eight places in this strong international class being filled by British riders. Nick Skelton and Big Star were also back in action in round one, producing their third jumping clear of the show.

Don’t miss the full report from Windsor Horse Show in Thursday’s issue of Horse & Hound (out 22 May).

Good weekend for Brits on Sunshine Tour

Martha Terry — Mon, 10 Mar 2014 13:58:31 +0000

British riders were on dominant form on the Spanish Sunshine Tour last weekend (9 March), clocking a win and both runners-up spots in the 2 grand prix.

Robert Whitaker rode his parents’ (John and Clare) stallion, Catwalk IV (pictured top), into 2nd place in the 1.60m €50,000 Sunshine Tour IV Grand Prix with a double clear just over 1sec behind the winner.

Suffolk’s Tim Page (Santa Cruise) took 5th spot, with another double clear, while Scottish rider Douglas Duffin was the fastest four-faulter to finish 6th, riding Quidam BZ.

Kayleigh Watts, from Hertfordshire, landed the €2,000 Classic Tour Grand Prix with Robert Smith’s Rooney IV. The Brits featured highly in the placings, too, with Abbe Burchmore-Eames (Wilandri E) 2secs adrift as runner-up, and Sophie Ryan (Pacco Du Bourg) 4th.

Sunshine Tour Grand Prix 1.60m

Zipper (S Alvarez Moya, ESP) 0,0,37.29secs
Catwalk IV (R Whitaker, GBR) 0,0,38.37
Fidux (E Alvarez Aznar, ESP) 0,0,40.35
Vagabond De La Pomme (P Leprevost, FR) 0,0,40.74
Santa Cruise (T Page, GBR) 0,0,43.48
Quidam BZ (D Duffin, GBR) 0,4,41.27

Classic Tour Grand Prix

Rooney IV (K Watts, GBR) 0,0,38.37secs
Wilandri E (A Burchmore Eames, GBR) 0,0,40.50
Benito (M Longem Valdar, NOR) 0,0,44.85
Pacco Du Bourg (S Ryan, GBR) 0,0,45.58
Perfect Rouge (EP Garson, RSA) 0,0,46
Ananaz (A Frutuoso de Melo, POR) 0,0,48.32

Latest from Horse & Hound in Robert-whitaker

‘He’s incredible’: Whitaker makes Hickstead history with third King George win

An amazing week

‘Enjoy your retirement, you wonderful horse’: Hickstead Derby hero bows out to spend golden years with his old friends

Gentlemen VH Veldhof: that Derby win

You may also enjoy reading:

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

The Whitaker family Who’s Who

Family of John Whitaker, married to Clare Whitaker

Family of Steven Whitaker, married to Carole Whitaker

Family of Michael Whitaker, married to Melissa Whitaker

Family of Ian Whitaker, married to Alison Whitaker

You may also enjoy reading:

Whitaker cements place among Hickstead greats with King George V glory

High-stakes jump off delivers drama

Rob’s performance ranks among the elite

You may also be interested in:

Anything Dad can do…! Young Whitakers win at Hickstead days after Robert’s Derby triumph

You may also be interested in:

‘I’ve been watching this since I was a kid’: Whitaker thrilled to win first Hickstead Derby, with 19-year-old superstar

Meaning business

Delighted for Robert

History – not rivalry

You may also be interested in:

Olympic heroes and rising stars named as first European entries list confirmed

British European Showjumping Championships team, nominated entries

You may also be interested in:

Two generations of Whitakers – with a 58-year age gap – win on same day

John Whitaker delivers a showjumping masterclass

You may also be interested in:

Can we bottle this rider’s winning feeling? ‘A moment I’ll never forget’ and 19-year-old horse wins towering six-bar

Showjumping news: “I did my max but Willem was just faster!”

If only we could bottle this rider’s winning feeling

Showjumping news: “Mom Club” sees their “unique” horse win with Jessica Mendoza

All-British podium

You may also be interested in:

Whitaker wins World Cup and ground control proves the key to Major Tom: ‘His mind was going 200mph’

Showjumping news: Vermento goes full pelt in Helsinki

Irish team victory in Spain

Ground control proves the key to Major Tom with “newfound relaxation and maturity”

You may also be interested in:

Olympic gold medallist makes winning return and a stallion with the ‘biggest heart’: ‘You feel you can do anything on him’

Showjumping news: Olympic gold medallist makes exciting triumphant return

A stallion with “the biggest heart”, says Joe Whitaker, as cousins triumph

Showjumping news: an invincible pony Nations Cup squad

“I thought it would be fast – I didn’t think it would be wild”

You may also like to read…

Six of Britain’s best named for Paris Olympics jumping squad

British showjumping Olympic entries:

Owners: Lady Pauline Harris and Lady Pauline Kirkham

Breeder: Bernard Mols

Breeding: by Cooper Van De Heffinck, out of a mare by Irco Mena

Scott Brash with 10-year-old Hello Valentino

Owners: Lady Pauline Harris and Lady Pauline Kirkham

Breeder: Tina Petersson-Lind

Breeding: by Diamantino, out of a mare by Careful 28

Owners: Ann Thompson and Harry’s father Peter

Breeder: Franjo Udovc

Breeding: by Chacco-Blue, out of a mare by Ludwig AS

Harry Charles with 15-year-old Romeo 88

Owners: Ann Thompson and Harry’s father Peter

Breeder: Picobello Horses

Breeding: by Contact Van De Heffink, out of a mare by Orlando

Harry Charles with 11-year-old Sherlock

Owners: Stall Zet and Harry’s father Peter

Breeder: Gustaaf Quintelier

Breeding: by Bisquet Balou C, out of a mare by Malito De Reve

Owners: Tim’s father William and wife Rachel, and Unex Competition Yard

Breeder: HBF Stud

Breeding: by Glasgow-W VH Merelsnest, out of a mare by Original VDL

Tim Gredley with 12-year-old Medoc De Toxandria

Owners: Tim’s father William and wife Rachel, and Unex Competition Yard

Breeder: Werner Dierckx

Breeding: by Der Senaat III, out of a mare by Kelvin De Sainte Hermelle

Owners: Rider, Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright

Breeder: Jean Claude Viollet

Breeding: by Cap Kennedy, out of a mare by L’Arc De Triomphe

Ben Maher with 10-year-old Enjeu De Grisien

Owners: Rider, Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright

Breeder: SCEA Elevage de Grisien