IT’S been 29 years since the Whitaker name was last etched on the World Cup trophy. But next month, Robert is hoping to join the elopers, gamblers and thrill-seekers boarding a Las Vegas-bound flight for the prestigious final. It was Robert’s father John who rode
Milton to the first of their back-to-back World Cup victories back in 1990, but memories of his uncle Michael’s runner-up finish at the world-famous Thomas and Mack Center in 2005 have really inspired Robert this season.
“That event was something special. I’ve jumped in a few World Cup Finals, but I’ve always wanted to compete in Vegas,” says the 37-year-old Yorkshireman, who just missed out on automatic qualification – competition to secure a place at this year’s finale has been hotter than the Nevada sun. He remains hopeful he could yet qualify on a wild card.
Robert’s leading partner this season has been his stable superstar Catwalk IV – the 17-year-old who was wayward in his youth, but has been nurtured into a top grand prix horse.
“He certainly had a lot of character as a young horse, but he’s just been incredible,” says Robert. “Some horses lose their jump as they get older, but he doesn’t feel like a 17-year-old – he’s still so scopey and finds it all very easy.”
In Helsinki in November, Robert not only won his first World Cup qualifier, but also secured a rare double when heading the show’s grand prix, too.
Denne historien er fra March 12, 2020-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
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Denne historien er fra March 12, 2020-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'
Fresh from the opening meet, Tessa Waugh hasn't quite yet been bitten by the hunting bug. Without the crisp autumnal air and cheek-pinching cold she hoped for, it's a sluggish start
New pair pull off a win
A former European Championships pony is on form with his new rider, while elsewhere former showjumpers and eventers take ribbons
Lording it over the rest
Horses who have returned from injury, a second generation homebred and a long format specialist score on the final weekend of the British season
Smith hits flying form
A \"her way or no way\" mare helps Zoe Smith to an impressive ribbon haul and a rider beats his own boss to the top spot
Jankorado hits the jackpot
Paul Sims is triumphant despite his interrupted jump-off preparation and a borrowed horse comes up trumps
Peanut
From \"dangerous, scary\" to hedge-hopping brilliance, hunting has been the making of this unstable but very lovable equine character
She's a corker
Communication, says long-standing and highly respected Belvoir master Lady Sarah McCorquodale, is the key to all, as Catherine Austen discovers
Access all areas Cavalier Centre
The Cavalier Centre is a fully accessible, state-of-the-art equestrian centre designed to improve lives through horse-based activities. Ellie May Forrester pays a visit
'Use it or lose it'
Not everyone wants to reach for the pipe and slippers at a certain age. Becky Murray speaks to some veteran horse-and-rider combos for their secrets of human and equine longevity
A new way forward
Worm control in horses is vital, but established methods will not remain effective for much longer. Tim Mair FRCVS explains why and how we need to change
