Edited press release from Hickstead Press Office

The CSIO5* Longines Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead got underway on Thursday, with the Whitakers in winning mood in the first international showjumping classes.

William Whitaker started off a great day for the showjumping dynasty with a win in the 1.45m Royal International Vase, before his cousin Robert secured victory in the 1.50m Royal International Trophy.

It was William Whitaker's 33rd birthday this week, so he was delighted to celebrate with a victory. “I’m delighted to get the win today,” said William, who rode Jalellah OL (Chacco-Blue x Baloubet du Rouet) to take top spot ahead of Harry Charles (GBR) and Controe (Wender R x Iroko), followed by Brian Moggre (USA) and I'm Special V (I'm Special de Muze x Indoctro) in third. “It’s always nice to get the show off to a good start – so now we just have to try to continue that!” William added.

No less than sixteen out of 43 horse-and-rider combinations delivered double clears in the two-phase Royal International Trophy, and fastest of all were Robert Whitaker and Evert (Amadeus x Indoctro) who stopped the clock at 26.24 seconds. They were followed by Marc Dilasser (FRA) and Chamann Has (Mylord Carthago x Socrate de Chivre), with a time of 26.50 seconds, while Gilles Thomas (BEL) was another 0.20 seconds behind aboard Jetrick van Beek Z (Jivago d'Arsouilles x Vagabond de La Pomme) to take third.