Triumph for Michael Whitaker in USA

The British flag flew in Syracuse, USA this weekend, when Michael Whitaker won the $75,000 Budweiser World Cup Qualifier. Aboard Insul Tech Portofino 63, Whitaker produced two faultless clear rounds, leaving a line-up of top American riders in his wake.

Only five combinations made it through to the jump off, out of a field of 34. Realising he was in with a change of scoring the jackpot, Whitaker stepped up the pace as he entered the arena, finishing in an unbeatable 37.02 secs to take home the $22,500 first prize. Margie Engle from the USA took second place, jumping clear in 39.74 sec, closely followed by Chris Kappler, also from the USA, clear in 39.74 sec.

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