Whatton based Whitaker takes second spot in the Gold Tour Grand Prix
Monday 21 March 2011
Michael Whitaker from Whatton, Nottingham made the journey over to Arezzo in Italy this week to compete at the CSI 3* International competition.
The weekend concluded with 1.50m Gold Tour Grand Prix which saw less than two seconds between the top five competitors in the jump off. Michael Whitaker was partnering his own nine year old chestnut gelding Viking V. Jumping clear and being one of fifteen in the jump off Michael knew it wasn’t going to be an easy class to win.
Being drawn just over half way down the jump off order played to Michael’s advantage, but he knew that a quick clear was needed to hold off the remaining six competitors that followed him. Riding a superb round the combination came home clear in 40.31 seconds which went in to the lead by 0.48seconds. Although this was a good time, Katharina Offel from the Ukraine managed to also jump clear and shave an extra 0.34 seconds off Michael’s time to take the win, Leaving Michael and Viking V picking up second position.
For a full list of results and further information on the show please visit; www.arezzoequestriancentre.com
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