
John Whitaker
John Whitaker MBE has been a top International show jumper for over 40 years, alongside his wife Clare and daughters Joanne and Louise they run a successful business for competition horses at Heyside Farm.
Following his success on Gentlemen VH Veldhoff in the June show, Robert returned to Hickstead for another week of fierce competition. This time on Vermento, Robert cleared the jump off in a lightning-fast 38.88 to win the Al Shira'aa King George V Gold cup. It's the second time Robert's cinched victory in the class, having previously won in 2023.
Robert becomes the third Whitaker to win the iconic Hickstead Derby, following in the footsteps of John, Michael and William.
Robert and Gentlemen VH Veldhof were one of only four clears who successfully made it to the jump off.
Robert described it as a magical day with a special horse. The pair aren't done yet... Next stop Bolesworth!