Sad farewell to John Whitaker’s great partner Welham
Welham, the horse who partnered John Whitaker to win the 2000 Hickstead Derby has been put to sleep at the age of 28.
As well as winning the Derby together, John and Welham won a host of prestigious competitions including the 1999 British Jumping Grand Prix at Hickstead and the 2000 Bordeaux and Bologna World Cup qualifiers.
Welham was retired at the 2001 Hickstead Derby meeting and was named the BSJA’s leading international horse for that year.
He spent his retirement with his owner, Keeley Durham, who had bought the gelding as an eight-year-old. After problems with chronic arthritis, the decision was made to put him to sleep a few weeks ago.
- What was your favourite memory of Welham? Share your memories in the forum
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
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
