John Whitaker Takes Home the Biggest Present in the €37,000 Santa Stakes CSI 5*-W

By Jumper News on 2023-12-18

London, England – December 15, 2023 – The €37,000 Santa Stakes CSI 5*-W continued the world-class action at ExCeL London following the afternoon’s FEI Jumping World Cup™. With four of the six riders through to the jump-off representing Great Britain, the expectant crowd was hopeful of a home win.

First into the arena to contest the shortened course was Scott Brash (GBR) on Hello Mr. President, who was looking to go one better than his second placed finish in the FEI Jumping World Cup™, however with four faults he left the door wide open to those who followed. On a high from his FEI Jumping World Cup™, Ben Maher followed Brash into the arena, but he too picked up faults in the attempt to set an unbeatable time.

Crowd favourite, John Whitaker (GBR) – who during the course of his career has competed in 39 major championships, winning 24 medals – showed his experience to jump the first clear with Sharid, setting the time to beat of 35.98 seconds riding Sharid. Matt Sampson followed, with a fast round proving that the time could be beaten, but picking up four faults along the way.

The first of the international contenders, Kendra Claricia Brinkop (GER) riding Ma Belle, looked like she had done enough to take the lead from Whitaker, however knocked the final fence. It was left to Lorenzo de Luca (ITA) to dampen British spirits, however the famously quick Italian and was another to accrue faults in his efforts to beat the winning time, giving 68-year-old Whitaker a popular victory.

Speaking after the class, Whitaker said “It’s fantastic, the crowd were unbelievable and it feels good to beat these young speed merchants. My horse jumped amazingly and I’m glad I’m still able to beat them on my day. I played it a bit safe and it paid off – I managed to put the pressure on and it worked out.”

Final Results – €37,000 Santa Stakes CSI 5*-W

1) John Whitaker (GBR) & Sharid – 0 / 0 – 35.98

2) Scott Brash (GBR) & Hello Mr. President – 0 / 4 – 33.15

3) Lorenzo de Luca (ITA) & Violino Il Palazetto – 0 / 4 – 33.30

FULL RESULTS

course map

Source: Press Release from Niki McEwen / Revolution World for the London International Horse Show