William Whitaker takes the GLOCK’s CSI3* Grand Prix

Precisely on time, the last seats were occupied in the wonderful tournament arena at the GLOCK HORSE PERFORMANCE CENTER  for the grand sporting finale, the CSI3* GLOCK’s Grand Prix. Nobody wanted to miss the GLOCK’s CSI3* Grand Prix, with both world ranking list points and total prize money of 100,000 euros. Thirty nine participants faced the course over 1.55 m designed by Frank Rothenberger (GER). Its scale was impressive: 13 obstacles and 16 jumps had to be overcome without faults in the basic round, because only then could one aspire to a chance of victory.

This task was anything but easy. It was particularly the triple combination at obstacle 11 (upright-upright-oxer) that brought many a contestant to their limits, as well as the testing finish line, consisting of a mighty triple-bar and narrow upright. Only five of the world-class duos who entered managed to finish the first round with no faults. For them, the task was then to find the right strategy again for the excitingly-laid-out jump-off.

Something the British rider William Whitaker had evidently found. This 25-year-old nephew of John Whitaker, with his agile twelve-year-old Fandango, progeny of Last Liberty, focused right from the start and made perfect use of his gelding’s extensive gallop. Fault-free and in 35.23 seconds, the duo galloped over the finishing line and received ear-splitting cheers from the packed ranks of spectators.

"I don’t know what made the difference today, but Lady luck was certainly on my side. My uncle didn’t actually win today, but he’s sure to be pleased to see another Whitaker standing up here", said William in the winner’s interview.

Second place went slightly surprisingly to Turkish rider Omer Karaevli. Jumping outstandingly, his Belgian gelding Dadjak Ter Puttenen didn’t touch a single bar and his rapid time was rewarded with second place and much applause from the spectators.

There was a breathless hush during the ride by the last starter: GLOCK Rider Gerco Schröder (NED). Everyone at the GLOCK HORSE PERFORMANCE CENTER had their fingers crossed for him and his twelve-year-old Holsteiner gelding GLOCK’s Cognac Champlanc. Jump after jump, the statuesque great white horse’s performance captivated all. When the clock ultimately stopped at 36.97 seconds and the GLOCK dream team had secured third place in the GLOCK’s CSI3* Grand Prix, there was no holding back as the arena resounded to jubilant rejoicing!

There was a hint of bad luck for the Austrian participants. The best result was delivered by Hugo Simon (St) in the saddle on Freddy 7. With five fault points he was 19th.

15 - GLOCK's CSI3* GRAND PRIX
Int. show jumping with jump-off, 1.55 m
Counting for the Longines World Ranking List
1. Fandango - Whitaker William (GBR) 0/35.23 sec  
2. Dadjak Ter Puttenen - Karaevli Omer (TUR) 0/35.57 sec  
3. Glock's Cognac Champblanc - Schröder Gerco (NED) 0/36.97 sec  
4. Crazy Quick - Skrzyczynski Jaroslaw (POL) 4/34.72 sec  
5. Argento - Whitaker John (GBR) 4/35.53 sec
6. Colorit - Will David (GER) 1/78.60 sec  
7. Banca Popolare Bari Cassandra - Franco Francesco (ITA) 1/80.75 sec  
8. Picsou du Chene - Fuchs Martin (SUI) 4/69.48 sec  
9. MCB Ulke - Bruggink Gert Jan    (NED) 4/72.27 sec  
10.Sportsmann S - Jung Michael (GER) 4/73.70 sec  
11.Sweet de Beaufour - Modolo Zanotelli Marlon (BRA) 4/73.75 sec  
12.Admara 2 - Gaudiano Emanuele (ITA) 4/73.79 sec
Link to results

Hats off! William Whitaker (GBR) and his Fandango trumped one and all in the GLOCK’s CSI3* Grand Prix today! © Michael Rzepa

Omer Karaevli (TUR) and his Dadjak Ter Puttenen delivered the biggest surprise today with second place in the GLOCK’s CSI3* Grand Prix. © Michael Rzepa

GLOCK Rider Gerco Schröder and GLOCK’s Cognac Champblanc delighted all at their ‘home tournament’ with third place. © Michael Rzepa

William Whitaker (GBR) was a guest of the GLOCK HORSE PERFORMANCE CENTER for the first time and immediately secured a magnificent victory in the GLOCK’s CSI3* Grand Prix. Councillor of Commerce Ingeborg Unzeitig, Kathrin Glock (Managing Director GHPC) and Franz-Peter Bockholt (Sports Director GHPC) offer their heartfelt congratulations. © GHPC / studiohorst