William Whitaker Wins HOYS Grandstand Welcome Stakes Aboard La Vie Est D’Or
William Whitaker made a winning start to international competition at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) 2026, claiming victory in the Grandstand Welcome Stakes aboard La Vie Est D’Or.
The Huddersfield-based showjumper produced a quick round in the two-phase competition, stopping the clock at 30.06 seconds to secure the opening international victory at Birmingham’s NEC.
Drawn fourth from 27 starters, Whitaker set an early benchmark that proved impossible to beat. Madison Heath came closest, finishing second aboard Ivory in 30.98 seconds, while Chris Smith completed the top three with Messarado Blue.
A Winning Debut Partnership
Remarkably, the victory came in Whitaker’s first competition aboard the 10-year-old bay mare, although the pair were far from strangers.
La Vie Est D’Or is usually ridden by the daughter of owner Iona Watkin Jones, whom Whitaker trains. Having watched the mare compete over the past couple of years, he was already familiar with her natural speed and ability.
“I managed to pick up the ride this week, which is fantastic,” said Whitaker, whose family has enjoyed decades of success at Horse of the Year Show.
“I know the mare well, although I have not ridden her that many times. I think watching her over the last couple of years as much as I have done has helped to kind of know her, really.
“I know she is naturally a very quick mare, and everything came up nice for me. She tried really hard, so yes, I am absolutely delighted with her.”
Grandstand Welcome Stakes Results – HOYS 2026
The top three finishers in the Grandstand Welcome Stakes were:
- William Whitaker (GBR) – La Vie Est D’Or – 30.06 seconds
- Madison Heath (GBR) – Ivory – 30.98 seconds
- Chris Smith (GBR) – Messarado Blue
The competition attracted 27 starters in the Andrews Bowen International Arena.
View the full Grandstand Welcome Stakes results.
A Special Place for the Whitaker Family
Horse of the Year Show has long held a special place in Whitaker’s career. He first competed at the event when it was last staged at Wembley, 25 years ago, and the opportunity to compete and win on home soil remains just as meaningful.
“It is at home, all my family are here, and whatever class you are winning in the main arena it always gives you that special feeling,” he said.
Whitaker also reflected on a successful season, during which he has enjoyed further opportunities to represent Great Britain and develop horses for top-level competition.
“I have had a very good year and been lucky enough to get some good opportunities on some teams and that kind of thing. When you are producing horses and stepping up to that level you never quite know how it is going to go, and it has been very pleasing to get out there and get some good results.”
With several members of the Whitaker family competing at HOYS this week, William’s opening international victory gives the famous British showjumping dynasty another reason to celebrate.