Whitaker qualifies for World Cup
11 April 2002
Michael Whitaker makes it to the World Cup Final by the skin of his teeth
Michael Whitaker has qualified for the World Cup show jumping final at Leipzig on 1-5 May, following the last weekend’s final qualifier at Gothenburg, Sweden.
Michael’s qualification means Britain has had a representative in every running of this championship since 1979.
He only made it by the skin of his teeth, finishing 18th,although he was without the services of his best horse. Anne Bedford’s Handel II, is being rested since injuring his off-fore high flexor tendon a fortnight before.
A second scan has revealed that the stallion is recovering faster than anticipated and Michael is hopeful that he will be able to take him to Leipzig, but, whatever happens, he will still compete in the final.
Richard Davenport, a medallist in the European Young Riders Championship in 2001, was Britain’s other potential finalist but, although he made it through in Gothenburg, four faults in the World Cup qualifier meant that he has ended up in 23rd place on the Western European league.
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Some riders usually drop out before the final, but it is unlikely that enough will do so to allow Richard to compete at the event.
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