Robert Whitaker held an early lead to win the Accumulator riding KWPN bred gelding, Dekato, during the afternoon’s opening performance at Horse of the Year Show (5.10.2019).
From a strong field of 26 starters, Robert was joined by family members Michael and Jack Whitaker, alongside Georgia Tame, Angelie Von Essen and Julie Andrews, to mention only a few.
There was all to ride for in the class known for speed and accuracy while each combination navigates to collect as many points as possible, against the clock. Unusually, the Joker fence seemed a breeze for the majority of combinations with only three collection penalties, or points deducted, while two others opted for the alternative final fence.
Notably, Georgia Tame and her mount Quintella who she rode to win in Friday’s NAEC Stoneleigh Stakes, was back in the arena to take a shot at the £10,000 prize fund. The round started well for the 21-year-old who has enjoyed considerable success this year however, she finished just outside the prize money in seventh place following a 61 point finish in 62.74 seconds.
Guy Williams, a regular winner at Horse of the Year show and a rider well known for his speed, was the next competitor who looked set to seriously challenge Robert’s score and time. Despite Guy and his mount, Cupido’s, fast pace to start it all fell apart near the end finishing the pair on 11 points.
In second place was Ireland’s Anthony Condon, riding Zira VH Kapelhof Z. Anthony and the 2009 grey mare were the penultimate combination into the arena who from the outset, really put the pressure on Robert. Unfortunately, despite the foot perfect round the mare didn’t quite settle costing the pairing valuable time, stopping the clock just 0.26 of a second behind Robert.
In third place was Great Britain’s James Wilson, riding Susan Larson’s Eskola. James had clinched first prior to Robert’s efforts in the ring. The clear round was spectacular, stopping the clock on 48.82 seconds with 65 points, however, the victory was short-lived with Robert next into the ring.
With a packed International arena, the afternoon’s performances are set to heat up with the Thistledown Developments Pony Club Mounted Games Prince Philip Cup and the Pony Foxhunter championships.
For more results, including those from the TopSpec arena, please visit results.scgvisual.com/2019/birmingham/
Suzanne Ashton, Founder of Everything Horse (Est, 2012), has a BA Hons in Marketing Management and a Diploma in Equine Science. Suzanne has ridden and owned horses all her life and has twelve years of experience in marketing, writing, design, SEO, and website creation.