John Whitaker & Echo of Light win Moet & Chandon All Stars Grand Prix
Saturday 24 October 2015
It was John Whitaker with Team Harmony’s 10 year-old grey gelding Echo of Light that won the Moet & Chandon All Stars Grand Prix at the Bury Farm Equestrian Village in Buckinghamshire this evening.
Producing the sole double clear of the competition they drew a capacity crowd to their feet when, as last to go in the five strong jump-off, they delivered a foot-perfect performance to claim the title as their own.
The 1.40m course designed by Paul Connor had certainly taken some jumping, as it was only John alongside son Robert Whitaker with Mandy Hall’s bay stallion USA Today, that had managed to leave all fences standing in the first round. With five competitors being invited to come forward for the jump off, the three fastest combinations on 4 faults asked to join John and Robert were Kerry Brennan and Wellington M, Mark Edwards and Tinkers Tale as well as 15 year-old Jodie Hall McAteer and Dazzle II.
With all five coming forward on a level playing field for the jump off it was Kerry Brennan and Wellington M who took 2nd place on 4 faults within a time of 37.88 seconds. Their fast time saw Robert and USA Today relegated into 3rd place having also picked up 4 faults but in a slower time of 42.64 seconds.
Jodie Hall McAteer, who won Team Gold and Individual Silver at the Pony European Championships this summer, proved that she is most definitely not one to be discounted at senior level. Finishing in 4th place on 8 faults in a time of 36.00 seconds put them just ahead of Mark and Tinkers Tale who also picked up 8 faults in a time of 39.40 seconds.
For full results please visit http://bit.ly/205dIAF
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