John Whitaker and Shane Breen win HOYS five-fence challenge

John Whitaker wins HOYS five fence challenge — John Whitaker, pictured aboard Sharid at HOYS in 2021.

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

John Whitaker on Sharid and Shane Breen on Vistogrand both cleared 1.75m to win the HOYS five-fence challenge, in a display of the highest-class riding.

Only three of 15 starters made it the the fourth and final round of jumping, by which time the fences were all at least 1.70m, the final vertical at 1.75.

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Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.

John Whitaker and Shane Breen clear 1.75m to win HOYS spectacular

Asked how much scope his 12-year-old ride has, John answered: “Well, we know he can jump 1.75m!”

Jean-Paul Ruis, St Jean La Poterie and HH Prince Torki bin Mohammed Al’s Selle Francais gelding also cleared well over 2m to win a six-bar in France last September.

John said one issue with some horses at this show, although not this one, is that they are not used to crowd noise, having had so long without it.

John has been competing at HOYS for 50 years, and he said this year’s show is special.

“I had felt the show had been dwindling a bit but this year, it’s been absolutely top.”

Shane’s ride, Carron Nicol and Breen Equestrian’s eight-year-old gelding, was faultless throughout all four rounds, staying as calm and rhythmical as the fences increased 30cm from their start height.

John will follow up his HOYS five-fence challenge win with a ride on Unick Du Francport in tonight’s grand prix, while Shane will bring forward Lady Star van Dorperheide.

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