William Whitaker leads the way in Grandstand Welcome Stakes at HOYS
Friday 09 October 2026
There was immediate success for British riders as international classes got underway with the Grandstand Welcome Stakes at Horse of the Year Show.
Huddersfield-based William Whitaker, riding La Vie Est D'Or, took top honours in the two-phase competition after clocking 30.06 seconds for the jump-off stage.
Despite an early draw of fourth from 27 starters, his time set a high bar that no-one else could reach, with Madison Heath going closest in 30.98 aboard Ivory, while Chris Smith finished third on Messarado Blue.
It was William's first competition with the 10-year-old bay mare, but it is a horse he knows well as it is usually ridden by the daughter, who William trains, of its owner Iona Watkin Jones.
"I managed to pick up the ride this week, which is fantastic," said William, a member of the Whitaker showjumping dynasty that is again out in force at HOYS this week.
"I know the mare well, although I have not ridden her that many times. I think watching her over the last couple of years as much as I have done has helped to kind of know her, really.
"I know she is naturally a very quick mare, and everything came up nice for me. She tried really hard, so yes, I am absolutely delighted with her."
William has a long-established association with HOYS, having first competed in the show when it was last staged at Wembley 25 years ago, and it has never lost its appeal for one of the showjumping circuit's most consistent and popular riders.
"It is at home, all my family are here, and whatever class you are winning in the main arena it always gives you that special feeling," he added.
"I have had a very good year and been lucky enough to get some good opportunities on some teams and that kind of thing. When you are producing horses and stepping up to that level you never quite know how it is going to go, and it has been very pleasing to get out there and get some good results."
Image: 1st Class Images
