GB VICTORY AT HOYS WITH MICHAEL WHITAKER
Saturday 10 October 2015
Michael Whitaker and the 11 year-old striking grey mare Elie van de Kolmen, whom he jointly owns with Beatrice Mertens, took the honours in Irish Horse Gateway International class at HOYS this afternoon.
It was nine that came forward for the jump off, five of whom were British and all delivered another brilliant clear. It was only six of the jump off field that produced another clear with less than three seconds separating them.
Michael’s round was inspiring to watch when he stopped the clock in the fastest time of 35.04 seconds to claim victory in his inimitable style. Brother John [Whitaker] had to be content with 2nd place having broken the finish line slightly slower in a time of 35.72 seconds with Team Harmony’s grey gelding Echo of Light.
With GB taking five of the top six places it was Geir Gullikson from Norway who broke the Union Flag laden line up with Be Gentle with young Jessica Mendoza just behind him in 4th place. 5th and 6th place were taken by Julie Andrews and Ayrton IV and Louise Saywell with Baloubet Junior Z respectively.
This trip to HOYS has been particularly special for Michael as it is his first time back to HOYS in over 5 years.
The win comes the day after Michael was part of a three-way tie in the Zinc Management Five Fence Challenge.
“The crowd there today is fantastic, looks pretty much sold out to me. The people are very enthusiastic” said Michael.
Photo credit: Lewis Harding Photography.
