Michael Whitaker produces scorching round to win 5* Grand Prix

Michael Whitaker has won the Lebeau-Courally Grand Prix CSI5* in Antwerp – going head-to-head with his brother John.

Hot Stuff

A total of 11 riders made it through to the jump-off out of 41 starters, which included many of the highest ranking riders in the world.

Germany’s Daniel Deusser took an early lead with a clear in a time of 37.57sec on Cornet D’Amour. His round looked unbeatable, but Michael’s 10-year-old mare Jb’s Hot Stuff lived up to her name. The pair pulled off some incredible turns and were the only ones to take a stride out to the last, which saw them shave less than half a second off Daniel’s time to take the lead.

Despite a strong field behind them – including last year’s winner Penelope Leprevost – and eight double clears, Michael’s fast time could not be matched.

Steady clear

Pergiorgio Bucci from Italy finished third with Casallo Z (37.73sec), ahead of Sweden’s Henrik von Eckermann and Cantinero in place fourth (38.06sec).

Michael’s brother John was lucky enough to make it into the jump-off, despite gaining one time penalty in the first round. He opted for a steady clear with Cassinis Chaplin, a nine-year-old gelding owned by his wife Clare and Claire Conlon. They achieved just that, but incurred another time penalty to finish on two faults and place ninth.

Nephew William Whitaker also had a time fault riding Utamaro D Ecaussines, which disappointingly saw him go out in round one, despite jumping a great clear.

You can watch the action right here on H&C TV as we are showing highlights from Antwerp on Saturday 29 April. The Grand Prix is on at 8pm, which follows the thrilling new JumpingClash Challenge at 7pm. Catch both on Sky 253, or online by subscribing to H&C Play.