John Whitaker may be 60 years old but he’s showing no signs of slowing down, coming out on top after a 12-strong jump off in the H&M Ivy Stakes at Olympia.
Double clear
Riding Ornellaia, a 10-year-old mare that he only started riding in February, John produced a super double clear in a time of 36.32 sec to take first prize.
Steve Guerdat was nearly a second in arrears on 37.06sec on Bianca, while Maikel van der Vleuten and Cupido V finished fourth on 37.77sec.
Close
“Persistence has paid off – I’ve been trying to win all week and I’ve come close, so it’s nice to finally win a class,” said John afterwards.
He paid tribute to his bay mare, who is by For Pleasure. “She’s progressed all year and keeps getting better and better. She’ll keep me going a bit longer,” he added.
Horse & Country’s coverage of Olympia is brought to you in association with Blue Chip
