Windsor, England – May 14, 2023 – The Royal Windsor Horse Show CSI 5* drew to a close after an incredible five days of top class equestrian action. Earlier in the day, The €26,200 Manama Rose Show Stakes CSI 5*, a single round against the clock, took centre stage in the Castle Arena. Gregory Wathelet (BEL) opened the class, riding the fourteen-year-old Clarity. Despite being first in, the combination took a stride out down to the last water tray fence, securing a clear round in a time which proved unbeatable throughout the competition. In doing so, he added another win to his impressive resumé, which includes a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics and 36 Grand Prix wins.
The course produced only eight clears – with many of the best, including the likes of former World No. 1, Daniel Deusser (GER), picking up four penalty-points. The only two Brits to finish with a clean sheet were William Funnell and Jack Whitaker(GBR). Whitaker was incredibly close to sealing the win with a dazzling round with Equine America Valmy de La Lande, but just missed the mark by just 0.04 seconds to finish second.
Steve Guerdat (SUI) and completed the podium with Double Jeu d’Honvault, registering no penalties in 58.19 seconds.
Of his win, Wathelet said: “I was first to go and knew I didn’t have the fastest horse out there, so I had to take a big risk and take some strides out, and it worked! I won the Rolex Grand Prix here last year, so for me the Royal Windsor Horse Show has always been a great show, in a fantastic place with an amazing crowd.”
Royal Windsor Horse Show Ambassador, Whitaker, said: “There’s always a great atmosphere here at Royal Windsor, with the crowd giving you such a big cheer when you canter into that arena! Gregory took us all by surprise, but I stuck to my plan, cut corners, and maybe if I had chased that bit harder to the last, I would have won!”
Final Results – €26,200 Manama Rose Show Stakes CSI 5*
1) Gregory Wathelet (BEL) & Clarity – 0 – 56.10
2) Jack Whitaker (GBR) & Equine America Valmy de La Lande – 0 – 56.14
3) Steve Guerdat (SUI) & Double Jeu d’Honvault – 0 / 0 – 58.19
Source: Press Release by Niki McEwen for the Royal Windsor Horse Show
Photos: © Royal Windsor Horse Show / Peter Nixon / Ashley Neuhof
Categories: CSI 5*, English, Jumper News Belgie
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