Press release from Helsinki Horse Show

The world’s top riders took the center stage in Helsinki on Saturday afternoon when it was time for the Land Rover Grand Prix 1.60m. Seven riders made it to the jump-off and despite a very challenging and fast course, the jump-off saw six clear rounds. The competition was tight and exciting but at the end Robert Whitaker from Great Britain managed to make the fastest clear round and rode Catwalk IV (Colman x Corleone) to victory. For Whitaker, this win is his first in Helsinki on this level, so he was clearly happy after their performance and especially praised his horse.

"It’s difficult to ride here because the ring is very tight and leaves no room for mistakes. It’s very unforgiving, a little miscalculation with a rhythm can have a big effect on your round and it’s hard to fix later on. First I wasn’t sure about the jump-off round but I have to say, my horse was amazing today. We have been riding together for almost ten years and he is still very fit and sharp. I can really trust him, he is competitive and can jump any course. These type of rings and tight turns suit him well and I think he is the main reason I won today," Whitaker said after the competition.  

Second placed Brazilian Marlon Modolo Zanotelli on Diesel GP du Bois Madame (Cassius x Heartbreaker) also did two amazing rounds and followed very closely after Whitaker. Third place went to Henrik von Eckermann and Best Boy 2 (Contagio x Sunrise) from Sweden.