Santa delivers a Whitaker win
Sunday 17 December 2023
Crowd favourite John Whitaker’s luck didn’t hold out in the World Cup but he came back with a bang in the Santa Stakes with Sharid at the London International Horse Show to command a win.
Twenty-three riders tackled course-designer Giulherme Jorge’s 12-fence 1.50m track with six mastering all the questions to access the jump-off. Surprisingly, clear rounds proved scarce in round two as the on-form pair of World Cup one and two Ben Maher and Scott Brash were in it to win it. But although they, along with Matt Sampson posted ultra-quick rounds, the poles hit the floor and they left John to be the sole competitor to post a clean sheet, securing victory on the Toulon 14-year-old Sharid.
Scott Brash – second in the World Cup to Ben Maher – again had to settle for the runner-up spot, although Hello Mr President was almost three seconds faster, a crucial pole hit the floor.
“Scott was very quick but had one down. I wasn’t slow but I didn’t take every risk and played it a little bit safe – I did it right and it put the pressure on,” said John. “It’s fantastic, the crowd were unbelievable and the show is so Christmassy – to win here is unbelievably good and it feels good to beat these young speed merchants.”
Matt Sampson was also quick to take fourth on his day one winner MGH Candy Girl just behind Italy’s Lorenzo de Luca in third on Violino Il Palazetto.
Matt also featured in the entertaining Fancy Dress Relay as the ‘Cat’ to Harry Charles’ Dick Whittington. They proved unbeatable in the final draw, winning the Fancy Dress prize – judged by Rory Bremner, Pippa Funnell and Father Christmas – and the Relay with almost seven sec to spare over Eventers Laura Collett (Snow White) and Tom McEwen (The Queen).
“Everyone loves this class, it’s a chance to beat the best eventers in the world and show them how to improve their showjumping,” said Matt.
Drawing big cheers were John and Robert Whitaker as the Ugly Sisters and Jodie Hall Mcateer (Prince Charming) and Joe Stockdale (Cinderella).
Image: John Whitaker and Sharid Credit: Peter Nixon
