John Whitaker and Argento Conquer the CSI4* Class at Bolesworth

John Oates Horseboxes sponsored CSI4* 1m45 

John Whitaker and the remarkable stallion, Argento rode a blistering round of showjumping to conquer the John Oates Horseboxes sponsored CSI4* speed class at Bolesworth International Horse Show.

With the sun finally making an appearance a total of 45 horse and rider combinations faced the 1m45 Kelvin Bywater designed course.

A selection of the world’s most experienced showjumpers including William Funnell, Harriet Nuttall, Shane Breen and Ellen Whitaker battled it out for a piece of the €25,000 total prize fund.

The course was cleverly designed with no obvious bogey fence, or combination, with poles tumbling in no particular order throughout.

Gloucestershire based Jay Halim was the first rider to steal a clear round on board Aragon Z, stopping the clock within the time allowed on 68.31. Keith Shore, next into the arena on board Iron Lady Van T Meulenhof made sure Jay Halim didn’t hold the top spot for long finishing his round on a super fast 60.41 seconds.

John Whitaker and son of Arko III, Argento were the next combination to finish with a clear within the time allowed, snatching the early lead from Cheshire based Keith Shore.

Chloe Aston had an unfortunate start to her round on board Amigo T, the pairing parted ways at fence two resulting in a class elimination.

European gold medalist, Harry Charles rode an excellent round on the 2006 gelding, Borsato, stopping the clock just outside the time allowed.

A serious contender for the last minute shot at the top was Laura Kraut, for the USA. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be as her ride Berdenn de Kergane, proved a little too fresh.

Cheshire based rider, Keith Shore and Iron Lady Van T Meulenhof finished in second place with Michael Pender and Hhs Pender in third.

You can watch all of the day’s showjumping via the Bolesworth Livestream.