Jack Whitaker stole the show when he topped the Bolesworth International (2-6 July) CSI4* Al Shira’aa grand prix with the superb 17-year-old stallion D&H Valmy De La Lande.
“I can’t put into words how happy I am for Valmy,” said 24-year-old Jack.
“He’s been in our stable since he was five years old. He’s been an absolute trooper for me and kept my career on the road for the last few years.
“I can’t be more grateful to have him. He just keeps surprising me and pulling it out of the bag every time I jump him.”
Rafael Suarez’s first-round track made use of colour, big bold oxers and delicate uprights to whittle 42 starters – including eight former winners – down to a 13-rider jump-off.
Jack was eighth to go against the clock, straight after his uncle John Whitaker and Equine America Unick Du Francport who had four faults when they tapped the top rail of a tall green upright – and with five still to go he left nothing on the table.
“I thought I had no chance. Even when I went into the lead I was completely shocked,” said Jack.
“I feel like I’m almost playing second fiddle sometimes. Last year I had the fastest time in the jump-off but had the second-last fence down; you always feel like you’re knocking on the door but never winning it. Thank God we could win it.”
Jack credited the Whitaker dynasty and his father Michael for his success.
“Obviously I’ve had an unbelievable start from my father, and an unbelievable leg up in the sport. If I wasn’t any good there would be a problem,” he joked.
“I’ve got to thank my family, I’m very lucky.”
Ireland’s David Simpson and Pjotr Van De Kruishoeve had to settle again for the runner-up spot, in a repeat of his result last year. As third to go in the jump-off David had a large task of keeping the next 10 combinations at bay, and a fast 42.55sec round was the time to beat, but it wasn’t to be.
“It’s a bit like ground hog day at the minute, every time I think I’m going to win something, a Whitaker appears!” said David, who was runner-up to Jack’s cousin William Whitaker in the Hickstead Derby a fortnight ago.
“I’ve owned Pjotr since he was a two-year-old. He’s a real soldier and a very, very quick horse. He and my team of horses are in amazing form; credit to the whole team at Breen Equestrian, the grooms and the guys at home. Without them, we’re not sitting here.”
Holly Smith concluded another brilliant week of Bolesworth results, landing a grand prix podium with Nike Van Het Singraven, who stopped the clock on 42.68sec for third.
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