Michael Whitaker and Mr Darcy claims victory in Abu Dhabi

Michael Whitaker (GBR) and Mr Darcy scored the win of the Prix Fibrex 1.50m 5* class flying to victory to take their share of the 30,000 euro prizemoney.

The diminutive yet muscley chestnut stallion out-ran 12 other horses in the jump-off and stopped the clock at 37.24 to beat a time of 37.84 posted already by Swiss rider Pius Schwizer.Schwizer, having won yesterdays 5* class bettered Brazilian Alvaro de Miranda’s time set earlier with his relatively new horse AD Rahmannshof’s Bogeno. Miranda’s time of 37.88 had looked quite unbeatable yet had to settle for third place today. But then you do have the best of the best competitors here in Abu Dhabi who are all out to earn some of the big prizemoney on offer.

The victory for Michael Whittaker with this relatively new ride was a pleasant surprise. “Joe Clayton who is based in my barn has produced this horse very well and I took the ride with some confidence. It was my third 5* competition with the stallion after Lyon and Verona 5* events and the horse's first 5* win.

Lucky in the last spot to go today I knew what I had to beat. I thought I could go with him as he gives you the feel that he tows you to the fences. Of course everything still had to pay off. A good win for the owner and breeder of the horse Jess Neilson who for a long time had horses with Peter Charles.“

Preparations of the top two for the GCT 2011 title battle played out further today.

Edwina Tops-Alexander started her second horse Mel D’Argences placing 6th electing to rest Cevo Itot de Chateau.

Ludger ran Chaman again showing a clear stylish round. The stallion still looking like he had plenty left in the tank for the finale that will start at 18h45 (Abu Dhabi Time) and 15.45 (CET).

Ludger was pleased with the horse today commenting, “It has been 9 weeks since the horse competed. He has been back in work for 3 weeks and had a few jumps but need to run yesterday and today in my preparation for the Grand Prix tomorrow.”