John Whitaker & Argento Finish 2nd in Hard Fought CSI4* 1.60m Liege Grand Prix
Monday 09 November 2015
John Whitaker and Argento produced one of just three double clears yesterday to finish in the runner up spot in the dramatic CSI4* 1.60m Grand Prix in Leige, Belgium.
Forty-eight combinations came forward to try and scoop the lion’s share of the €100,000 prize pot, but the first round saw problems incurred all over the thirteen fence course. Just eight of the starters made it through to the jump-off and spectators were treated to a thrilling conclusion.
Great Britain’s John Whitaker set the standard early on with his own and his wife Clare’s British bred 13 year-old dark bay stallion Argento after they delivered a textbook fast clear round. Their time of 35.11 seconds was always going to prove a challenge for the other competitors.
Home rider Niels Bruynseels rode Cas de Liberte and they were to be the only combination capable of beating John and Argento. Determined riding from the Belgian saw the pair blast through the finish in 34.42 seconds to give them the lead and what was to be the win.
Third place was secured by another Belgian rider, Jerome Guery, and he was on board Papillon Z. The combination secured the third and final double clear in 35.95 seconds.
CSI4* Leige Grand Prix Results
- Neils Bruynseels & Cas de Liberte (Bel) 0/0 34.42 seconds
- John Whitaker & Argento (GBr) 0/0 35.11 seconds
- Jerome Guery & Papillon Z (Bel) 0/0 35.95 seconds
- Rik Hemeryck & Carlitto Van’t Zorgvliet (Bel) 0/4 34.78 seconds
- Pieter Devos & Dream of India Greenfield (Bel) 0/4 35.12 seconds
