Jack Whitaker Narrowly Misses Podium in Riesenbeck CSI5* Grand Prix
Tuesday 16 September 2025
It was another fantastic week for British riders competing abroad, with strong performances across the board.
In the Longines Global Champions Tour CSI5* Grand Prix in Riesenbeck, Jack Whitaker came agonisingly close to a podium finish with Jack JL. Tackling the demanding 1.60m course, only six combinations managed to progress to the jump-off, highlighting just how tough the challenge was. At just 23 years old, Jack delivered a superb clear but narrowly missed out on the top three, settling for fourth place after a fiercely contested decider. Harrie Smolders (NED) and Bingo du Parc set the early standard with a faultless 48.78 seconds, while Gerrit Nieberg (GER) ultimately delighted the home crowd with a picture-perfect victory aboard Ping Pong van de Lentamel.
Jodie Hall-McAteer produced a brilliant result in the CSI3* Prestige Grand Prix of Surenburg i.M. Baron Constantin Heereman at Riesenbeck. Riding Key West, the 10-year-old chestnut stallion owned by Ruth Dowie, Jodie delivered a superb clear round in the jump-off, stopping the clock at 50.04 seconds. Out of the 36 rider combinations, only 10 made it through to the deciding round under the dazzling floodlights of the arena. Jodie’s clear was good enough to secure third place, just behind Leonie Böckmann of Germany in second and fellow German Tim Hoster, who took the win with a double clear in 49.22 seconds. It was a thrilling class that kept spectators on the edge of their seats from start to finish.
Meanwhile, there was more British success in Riesenbeck, where Pollyanna Gredley and Catoki, the 13-year-old bay gelding owned by Unex Competition Yard Ltd, claimed victory in the CSI2* 1.30m against the clock. Out of a strong field of 44 rider combinations, Pollyanna’s sharp round was enough to secure the top spot and highlight the strength and depth of British talent abroad.
Over in Belgium at Opglabbeek, Joe Clee also impressed in the CSI2* 1.40m Two Phases Special. Partnering the bay stallion Ansingh de Lis Z, Joe stormed into second place out of 37 starters, narrowly missing out on the win to Belgium’s Dries Dekkers, who took top honours aboard Agnes.
Image: LGCT
.JPG "Jack Whitaker showcases a masterclass win in the Al Shira’aa four-star Grand Prix at Al Shira’aa Bolesworth International")
.JPG "Holly Smith and Nike van het Singraven continued their sensational run of form at Al Shira’aa Bolesworth International")
