Ellen Whitaker Steals British Open Crown from cousin Robert
The British Open Show Jumping Championships came to a dramatic finish last night with the capacity crowd enjoying one of the most exciting finals to date.
Reigning Champion and yesterday’s top rider on the Championship leader board, Robert Whitaker entered last night’s final with a fence in hand. Riding his new but extremely talented ride, USA Today, Robert jumped clear in the first round of the final, maintaining his zero penalties score. However, show jumping’s golden girl and Robert’s cousin, Ellen Whitaker had also jumped superbly over the four days of the show and has been hot on Robert’s heels at every step.
Ellen followed Robert’s lead and also produced a faultless round to maintain the minimum difference between the top two riders going into the jump-off. Second to last to go in the jump-off, Ellen riding Equimax Ocolado jumped a foot perfect round to finish on four points in a fast time of 48.10 seconds. Robert had to jump clear or be faster with four faults to regain his title.
Entering the arena with a few last words of advice from father John, Robert looked set for the challenge. USA Today cleared the first few fences with plenty of space but his boisterous behaviour in between fences caused Robert to loose time. The atmosphere and tension in Birmingham’s LG Arena was electric with the last jump becoming the decider. At the final fence USA Today produced a characteristic buck just before take off and the combination rolled a pole at the final fence, finishing on four faults in a time of 51.65 seconds. With equal points but a faster time the Championship was Ellen’s. The crowd really appreciated this dramatic ending to four days of intense competition and Ellen and Equimax Ocolado’s fantastic consistency and skill earned them the prestigious title which has evaded them thus far.
Ellen commented, “I am so happy! Equimax Ocolado jumped out of his skin and has been so careful every step of the way. This is one title I have been chasing for a while and one I really wanted to win so I am ecstatic with the result and the £25,000 first prize!”