Horse of the Year Show: John Whitaker rolls back the years to win opener
Last Updated: 10/10/14 10:58pm
British star John Whitaker produced a masterclass performance on Lord of Arabia to win Friday's opening international class at the Horse of the Year Show.
Yorkshireman Whitaker, 59, landed the Horse Radar Stakes speed class after being drawn last to go among a 29-strong field, clipping more than a second off runner-up Nicole Pavitt's time with Victor Blue.
"I am still enjoying it, and I can still win on the day,'' said multiple Olympic, World and European Championship medallist Whitaker, following his victory at Birmingham's LG Arena.
"It was one of those rounds that just went completely to plan. I was last to go, so I knew what I had to do.
"Every turn really came off perfectly, and we were quick in between the fences. He jumped really carefully and was listening to me. He really helped me today.
"I thought it would be quite difficult to beat Nicole, but everything came off and I am delighted.
"I have had Lord of Arabia maybe three years now. He has got a lot of ability. Sometimes he is a little difficult with his temperament, but when he is like he is today he's unbeatable.''
Twomey triumphs
Nottinghamshire-based Irishman Billy Twomey claimed his first HOYS victory this year when he captured the Suregrow Five Fence Challenge.
Twomey, who rode for Ireland at the London 2012 Olympics and is among the most consistent performers in world showjumping, triumphed with the promising nine-year-old stallion Royale Du Rouet.
The challenge is over a maximum of five rounds, with riders gaining two points for each fence jumped and one point taken away if they knock it down. Should they accrue a fault, then combinations are eliminated.
Three riders were left in round four - Twomey, his Irish London 2012 colleague Cian O'Connor with Ulme De Feugeres and Essex rider Graham Lovegrove, aboard Centolove - and a clear round, including jumping the last 1.70-metre fence, secure first prize.
