Yorkshire based John Whitaker travelled out to the Geesteren in the Netherlands to compete in the CSI 4* (23-26 June). John was also accompanied by fellow British riders Ben Maher and David McPherson.
John Whitaker took the Geensteren Grand Prix on Argento jumping one of only three double clears. The dark bay stallion jointly owned by his wife Claire Whitaker and Keeley Durnam jumped a double clear, round a tricky 1.60m course. Coming home in a jump off time 41.60 seconds proved good enough for the win, just two seconds in front of N. Van der Mei riding Ultimo from the Netherlands who completed the jump off in a time of 43.81 seconds.
Also tackling the course from Britain was Hertfordshire based Ben Maher riding his own black stallion Tripple X III. Although jumping clear in the first round this combination had one fence down in the jump off putting him in eighth place.
Grand Prix
CSI 4* Geesteren, Netherlands – 26th June 2011
1st GBr John Whitaker / Argento 0/0 41.60
2nd Ned N. Van der Mei / Ultimo 0/0 43.81 seconds
3rd Aut J. Kayser / Sterrehof’s Valdato 0/0 44.39 seconds