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Whitaker in the winner’s circle in the Airbus Trophy

Saturday, 20 February 2016
CSI5* Longines Masters of Hong Kong 2016

John Whitaker and Argento are back in Hong Kong, and like last year they are in winning mood. Photo (c) R&B Presse.
John Whitaker and Argento are back in Hong Kong, and like last year they are in winning mood. Photo (c) R&B Presse.

John Whitaker and Argento (Arko III x Gasper) certainly like it in Hong Kong; today last year’s Longines Grand Prix winners took the victory in the 1.45 Airbus Trophy.

Riding his magnificent 14-year-old stallion Argento, the British legend won the opening five-star class on day two of the Longines Masters of Hong Kong in a time of 39.09 seconds. Whitaker was the second rider to jump in the final round, and after a blistering fast performance the sellout crowd knew it would be tough for any of the remaining 12 competitors to overtake him. John also had the benefit of huge crowd support being such a popular figure in Hong Kong. Whitaker said he felt the tight-turning course really suited both him and Argento; “I think we won it everywhere, but really galloping into the last fence was the winning move.”

Whitaker will line up on Argento in tomorrow’s $US500,000 Longines Grand Prix and compared with last year said the horse feels the same, if not slightly better. “He feels great. He has been jumping everyday. Not many horses can go full speed all the time like he does and keep backing up.”

Switzerland’s Pius Schwizer and PSG Future (Cash And Carry x Lorentin I) put in a sincere effort to beat Whitaker, finishing close – but not close enough in a time of 39.62 seconds. Irish star Betram Allen continued his good form in Hong Kong ending third on Hector van d’Abdijhoeve (Cabrio van de Heffinck x Utriolle Van De Heffinck) with a time of 40.29 seconds.

 


Source: Press release from R&B Presse // Picture © R&B Presse



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