Joe Whitaker in a hurry at HOYS as he lands NAEC Stoneleigh Speed Horse of the Year title
Monday 12 October 2026
.JPG "Joe Whitaker in a hurry at HOYS as he lands NAEC Stoneleigh Speed Horse of the Year title")
Joe Whitaker revealed that he had realised a career ambition with his exciting victory in the NAEC Stoneleigh Speed Horse of the Year class at Horse of the Year Show.
Joe followed up victory in Friday night's Dallamires Stables Cup, when he edged out his cousin Jack following an epic jump-off tussle, with a second notable triumph.
Despite having a fence down in the one-round competition, which added three seconds to his finishing time, Joe and Seaview Evolution still took the top prize by 11 hundredths of a second from Chris Smith and Messarado Blue, with James Smith finishing third on Juno Rose 23.
"I have been watching this class all my life," Joe said. "There is always a lot of atmosphere here, and it is unbelievable to get my name on the trophy,.
"It was a very quick round, and I am delighted for him in that he got the win he has deserved.
"The first couple of days here he just found it a bit daunting in the arena and was a bit spooky. He settled in fantastic fashion today, and while I knew I was fast, I didn't realise it was that fast.
"With having the fence down I thought we would be lucky to hold on to a top-five place with so many fantastic riders and horses to go after me and all in such great form. So, yes, I am absolutely delighted."
Assessing what could lie ahead for Seaview Evolution, Joe added: "We haven't had a great deal of time together in the ring, but he did a bit internationally last year and won a couple of really good classes.
"He is going well and it feels like he can jump a bit bigger, and even if he doesn't, he is very competitive at this level. He is a great horse to have in the stables."
Images: 1st Class Images
.JPG "Jodie Hall McAteer crowned Leading Showjumper of the Year for a second time")
.JPG "Douglas Duffin keeps the Scottish flag flying with victory in Grade C Championship")
.JPG "Emily Ward completes HOYS double with second successive victory in the Rees Family Cup")
