Michael Whitaker wins CSI5* Grand Prix of Antwerp
Sunday 23 April 2017
It was a brilliant win for Great Britain on Saturday night when Michael Whitaker, from Nottingham, took the Grand Prix title at the CSI5* show in Antwerp with JB’s Hot Stuff, an 11 year-old bay mare owned by Jayne Bean.
A total of ten combinations jumped clear in the first section qualifying them for the Jump Off from an initial starting field of forty-one competitors. They were also joined by John Whitaker with Cassinis Chaplin, a 9 year-old grey gelding owned by Claire Conlon and Clare Whitaker, who were the fastest of the four combinations to jump clear but pick up a time penalty in the round.
Jumping in reverse order based on penalties and time, John opened up the second round. Deciding to opt for a safe and accurate clear they delivered yet another impressive round leaving all fences untouched. However, finishing just outside the time allowed it was another single time penalty that was accrued to give them a total score of 2 penalties and a 9th place finish.
Michael, who was mid-placed in the Jump Off field knew he had his work cut out having watching Daniel Deusser (GER) take an early lead with his clear in a time of 37.57 seconds on Cornet D’Amour. Daniel's round had looked unbeatable to the crowds that packed the grandstands, however Michael must have spotted a missed opportunity by them and set off at a pace from the start that make it clear he meant business.
Pushing forward from the start, Michael not only made some incredible turns but also took out strides as he came down the last two lines to impressively take the lead by breaking the finish line clear in a time of 37.20 seconds.
Despite an incredible strong field behind him, there just wasn’t anyone else that managed to come close enough to topple him and the top two placings remained unchanged with Michael sitting in pole position and Daniel in 2nd. It was Pergiorgio Bucci (ITA) and Casallo Z who finished in 3rd position with his double clear in a time of 37.73 seconds. They were the only three that managed to break the 38 second barrier with 4th place going to Henrik von Eckermann (SWE) and Cantinero who also finished on zero penalties but in a time of 38.06 seconds.
This really was an outstanding performance by Michael with JB’s Hot Stuff and he couldn’t have looked more delighted when he headed the prize giving line-up which saw him secure a brand new BMW in addition to the prize fund on offer.
For full results http://online.equipe.com/en/class_sections/239291
1svujitxhxur8.jpg "Great Britain command victory in the Pony Nations Cup of Compiegne")
.jpg "Thrilling Weekend Kickstarts the STX-UK Pony British Novice Championship Second Round")