Robert Whitaker and Vermento make history with third King George victory
Robert Whitaker and Vermento wrote their names into the Hickstead history books with an extraordinary third victory in the Al Shira’aa King George V Gold Cup.
The defending champions delivered another unforgettable performance on the final day of the Agria Royal International Horse Show, adding the 2026 title to their victories in 2023 and 2025.
Not since the legendary Foxhunter carried Harry Llewellyn to a third win in 1953 has a horse claimed this prestigious title three times. Now, more than seven decades later, Vermento has matched that remarkable record, with Robert and the 13-year-old becoming the first combination in the modern era to achieve the feat.
Robert’s achievement also carries special family significance. His third King George victory equals the tally of his father, John Whitaker, who won aboard Ryan’s Son in 1986, Milton in 1990 and Welham in 1997.
Robert’s uncle, Michael Whitaker, has won the class four times, while David Broome holds the rider record with six victories.
Whitaker sets the King George jump-off target
Drawn eighth in the opening round, Robert and the 13-year-old son of Argento produced the first of five clears to progress to the jump-off.
Their early clear meant they would be first to tackle the shortened course. Robert set off determined to apply pressure without taking unnecessary risks, guiding Vermento to a second clear in 43.34 seconds and setting the standard for the remaining combinations.
Canada’s Nicole Walker and Panter JVH threatened the lead when completing the course in a faster time of 42.07 seconds. However, a slip while turning around the edge of the Open Water disrupted their rhythm and they lowered the final fence.
Brazil’s Stephanie Macieira was bidding to become only the second woman to win the King George since the class was opened to both men and women in 2008. She delivered the jump-off’s only other double clear aboard Novak De Kalvarie but finished more than a second behind Robert to claim second place.
Robert’s cousin Jack Whitaker and Jack JL had two fences down to finish fourth, while British Nations Cup heroine Jessica Mendoza and Summerhouse completed the top five.
An emotional victory for Whitaker
The scale of the achievement was clear as an emotional Robert reflected on a victory that places him and Vermento among the great names in Hickstead history.
“To win it three times is incredible, what can I say?” he said. “I didn’t have the best draw, having to jump off as first to go.
“I know this ring is very big and open, and it’s easy to knock one down, so I just wanted to do a safe round. To be honest, I thought I was a fraction slow, and when I was clear after the second-to-last fence, I probably took a bit more time than I should have. But it paid off!”
Robert also paid tribute to Vermento’s long-term owners, Caroline and Stephen Blatchford.
“They’re fantastic owners, and we’ve got a lot of horses coming through,” he added.
UAE riders secure young horse one-two
The UAE enjoyed a successful start to the final day, securing first and second place in the Breen Equestrian CSIYH1* Final.
Omar Abdul Aziz Al Marzooqi won aboard the impressive eight-year-old mare Biarritz Z, finishing 0.93 seconds ahead of compatriot Abdullah Mohd Al Marri and seven-year-old Troy Z.
“I believe in her, she’s exceptional,” said Omar. “I think she’ll be a super-fast mare, and I think she has enough scope to do the top level as well, so I am pretty excited about her future.”
The Agria Royal International Horse Show has now concluded, but showjumping returns to Hickstead for the Al Shira’aa British Young Horse Championships from 13 to 16 August. Spectator admission and parking will be free.
Image credit: Robert Whitaker is presented with the Al Shira’aa King George V Gold Cup by BHS President Martin Clunes (c) Pauline Ullmann-Davis