Robert Whitaker will bid to equal a record that has stood for more than 70 years when he returns to the Al Shira’aa King George V Gold Cup at this month’s Agria Royal International Horse Show (22–26 July).

Riding the home-bred stallion Vermento, Whitaker is aiming to claim a third victory in Hickstead’s most prestigious class after previous successes in 2023 and 2025. If successful, the pair would become the first combination since Harry Llewellyn and Foxhunter to win the King George V Gold Cup three times.

Only two other horses have won the King George twice during its 33-year history at Hickstead: Michael Whitaker’s Midnight Madness (1992 and 1994) and Beezie Madden’s Cortes C (2014 and 2015).

For Whitaker, Vermento’s achievements carry even greater significance because the 13-year-old stallion was bred at home by owners Stephen and Caroline Blatchford. By the legendary Argento, Vermento has developed into one of Britain’s leading international showjumpers.

“To breed a horse and get it to five-star level is an achievement in itself,” said Whitaker. “But he’s gone on and done really great things. He’s won the King George twice; he’s won World Cup legs and Grands Prix. He’s been an amazing horse. To breed one like him doesn’t happen very often, so we’re very lucky.”

While a third King George victory would also see Whitaker match the three wins achieved by his father, John Whitaker, in the class, the British rider insists he is not dwelling on the statistics.

“I don’t look at a show and think, I won this last year, I’ve got to win it again this year,” he said. “Obviously I’m going to be trying hard to win it, but I’m not putting that kind of pressure on myself. But Vermento is still only 13, so he could possibly win the King George again. He’s in great order, and he’s a very fit and sound horse. I’m going to have a good go this year, and if it doesn’t happen this year, we’ll try again next year.”

As a member of the Whitaker family’s renowned showjumping dynasty, Hickstead has played a central role throughout his career. Whitaker first competed at the venue on ponies before helping Great Britain win the Nations Cup there in 2004 at just 21 years old. Twenty years later, he partnered his father John on the victorious British team in the 2024 Agria Nations Cup of Great Britain, once again riding Vermento.

“I think Hickstead is part of our lives,” he added. “We’ve always come here since a young age, and I grew up watching all the big shows and all the top riders. To ride in that ring is an amazing feeling – it’s a unique place, and the crowd is fantastic.”

The Al Shira’aa King George V Gold Cup will take place on the final day of the Agria Royal International Horse Show on Sunday 26 July, where Whitaker and Vermento will attempt to write another chapter in Hickstead history