William Whitaker loses Arielle two weeks before World Cup final

Show jumper William Whitaker’s top ride Arielle has been sold to the United Arab Emirates.

A major blow to the 18-year-old rider, the sale comes just two weeks before he was due to contest the World Cup final in Sweden with her.

Arielle, a 12-year-old daughter of Accord, has been sold to the United Arab Emirates and is entered in the Gothenburg championship as the ride of Abdullah Mohd Al Marri.

William will now jump his uncle Michael’s original choice of Wonami Van Den Aard, who is also owned by Arielle’s former owner Fabien Schreiber. Michael will compete with Suncal Portofino.

William Whitaker won the Mechelen qualifying league of the World Cup series with Arielle.

He told H&H: “I’m obviously disappointed, it’s a shame because she was on such good form.”

For full story see Horse & Hound on sale 24 April

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