JOHN WHITAKER SHINES IN MADRID
Monday 21 May 2012
John Whitaker with his wife’s (Clare) 11-year-old chestnut stallion Maximillian IV took second place in the Volvo Grand Prix, Madrid at the weekend.
Producing one of only three double clears, the other two of which were achieved by Harrie Smolders (NL) and Eric Lamaze (CAN) the class which saw thirty four starters saw some of the world’s best riders pick up faults across the demanding and technical course.
John’s performance on Maximillian, a horse that he has only been competing since the start of this year when they made their debut on the Sunshine Tour in March, was a superb achievement. Rating the horse highly when they first formed a partnership John is proving once again his exceptional insight into identifying and nurturing talented horses. Making an appearance at their first Nations Cup in Lummen earlier in the month; they produced a clear in the first round before going on to produce just one of only three clear rounds in the Grand Prix and taking third place.
The next day (Sunday) saw John Whitaker take third place with Clare’s 10-year-old dark bay stallion Argento in the Madrid King’s Cup saw thirty six starters across twelve nations. A total of seven clear rounds were achieved in the first round with only John and three others going clear in the jump off. It was Spain’s Sergio Alvarez Moya who took first place and Irelands Shane Breen that took second with just two seconds separating the top three placings.
Results:
Madrid Grand Prix Volvo
1st Harrie Smolders (NED) / Exquis Walnut de Muze – 0/0 46.08 €49,500
2nd John Whitaker (GBR) / Maximillian IV - 0/0 47.09 €30,000
3rd Eric Lamaze (CAN / Verdi 6* - 0/0 49.04 €22,500
Madrid Grand Prix Volvo
1st Harrie Smolders (NED) / Exquis Walnut de Muze – 0/0 46.08 €49,500
2nd John Whitaker (GBR) / Maximillian IV - 0/0 47.09 €30,000
3rd Eric Lamaze (CAN / Verdi 6* - 0/0 49.04 €22,500
British placings were achieved in the other classes at the CSIO3* event in Madrid by Robert Whitaker and Laura Renwick who were also competing at the show. Full results and further information on which can be found by visiting www.csi2012.es
