Continuing our series on stars we can’t wait to see once shows start up again, Jennifer Donald meets an impressive stallion who has helped to put Ellen Whitaker back on the map
Arena UK Winston
Age: 11Breeding: Irish Sport Horse, Waldo Van Dungen x Hamilton TropicsOwner: Norman OleyRider: Ellen WhitakerBreeder: Brenda Morelli of New Priory StudGreatest achievements: several team appearances, including double clear to help Britain finish second in the CSIO5* Nations Cup of Gijon, Spain (September 2019); won CSI2* grand prix in Opglabbeek, Belgium (June 2017); third in the CSI4* grand prix of Bolesworth (June 2019); successful in young horse classes and won the CSI3* small grand prix on the Sunshine Tour (February 2020).Horse of the Year show supreme pony Coco Bongo
Rider Ellen Whitaker
“After trying Winston as a four-year-old, I couldn’t buy him fast enough. We saw him jumping at Arena UK with Laura Mantel – he was pretty expensive and I said to Norman Oley, ‘It’s up to you’, obviously with everything crossed for a yes, and a few hours later he found me and said, ‘Let’s go for it.’
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Credit: Peter Nixon
Ellen last jumped in the Hickstead Nations Cup in 2007 with her great stallion Locarno
CSI Allington Gold Tour 2017
Ellen Whitaker, Arena UK Winston
The showjumper says her nine-year-old ride is one of the best horses she has ever had
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William and Ellen Whitaker both clear 7ft2in to share puissance win on Friday night at Olympia
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H&H showjumping editor
Jennifer is passionate at showjumping and her role as H&H’s showjumping editor has taken her around the world reporting from shows and interviewing riders, connections and those involved behind the scenes. Since joining H&H from BBC Sport in 2005, she has written on every subject across the equestrian sphere — from turnout rugs to stable management — and has interviewed gold medallists, world champions and winners galore. She also has first-hand experience of working in the equestrian industry as a riding instructor and yard manager.
