The first class of the Grand Prix Tour got under way on Friday with the 1.40m Putra Speed Derby, a Two Phase competition against the clock. Although seriously challenged by the “new” generation, Switzerland’s Markus Fuchs demonstrated just why he has maintained his position at the top level of showjumping for so many years. Refreshed from a trip to a wonderful resort at Langkawi, an island off the north west coast of Malaysia, Fuchs rode the grey Almeto Z gelding, Sylver II, which has just had one competition in the last three months, to shave every corner and cut out as many strides as possible, including a dashing ride to the last. It was an experienced ride on a horse Fuchs described as “fast”.
The winning time of 22.12 seconds was just enough to hold the new generation, in the form of Ellen Whitaker at bay, but only just, as Ellen, niece of Michael and John, demonstrated the benefit of good genes, with a super round aboard the Dutch gelding, Kanselier in 22.48 seconds. Ellen, who helped the British Team take out the Bronze Medal at the 2007 European Championships has the real trademark, Whitaker upper body which remains very still. German National Team member, Max Kuhner from Munich rode the Papillion Rouge mare, Meautry’s Pleasure to take third place, again in a very slick time, 23.46 seconds. John Whitaker’s son, Robert rode the Emilion mare, Karina for fourth place in a time of 14.45 seconds.
The third young generation Whitaker, William, son of Ian Whitaker, just made the placings, taking ninth, with a conservative, but promising round riding Michael Whitaker’s Bon Ami mare, Wonami van den Aard. It would be timely to explain the Whitaker confusion. There are four Whitaker brothers, John, Michael, Stephen and Ian. Ellen is Stephen’s daughter, Robert, John’s son and William, Ian’s son. The three cousins represent the continuation of the Whitaker dynasty for decades to come.
However, the greatest applause from the crowd was for Helena Gabrielsson. Based in Thailand for the past 15 years, but riding for Sweden, Helena rode the Alcatraz gelding, King Power Aladdin to claim tenth place, much to the delight of her many local admirers.
The standard of this opening International Tour class is a good indication that there is some wonderful jumping in store for us over the next two days.
RESULTS:
1st Markus Fuchs (SUI) Sylver II 0 penalties 22.12s
2nd Ellen Whitaker (GBR) Kanselier 0 penalties 22.48s
3rd Max Kuhner (GER) Meautry’s Pleasure 0 penalties 23.46s
4th Robert Whitaker (GBR) Karina 0 penalties 24.45s
5th Henk van de Pol (NED) Dan 7-T 0 penalties 25.42s
6th Judy-Ann Melchior (BEL) Espoir Z 0 penalties 26.81s
7th Florian Meyer zu Hartum Waldrose 0 penalties 26.87s
8th Robert Whitaker Prima Vera 0 penalties 29.07s
9th William Whitaker Wonami van den Aard 0 penalties 29.11s
10th Helena Gabrielsson King Power Aladdin 0 penalties 30.96s
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