Whitakers make History at the Biritish Open

History has been made on the final day of the 2008 British Open Show Jumping Championships.

The Championship final saw Robert Whitaker take the coveted title riding Lacroix 9 closely followed by his Uncle, Michael Whitaker, and cousin, William Whitaker, who took second and third places respectively. This the first time there has ever been a Whitaker, or any show jumping relatives, placed first, second and third in any international event and is perhaps a sign of things to come from this extremely talented family.

Astonishingly, Robert’s farther John also finished 5th while his cousin Ellen was placed 9th.

The Whitakers dominated the Championship leader board from the opening leg on Thursday and going into today’s final the famous five were all ranked in the top six. However, Ellen had three fences down and John two which moved them down the list to 9th and 5th. Robert remained in outstanding form with just one fence down in the final jump off. This scooped him the title with a 2.5 point lead in front of Michael and 4 points ahead of his younger cousin William, who at 18 years-old was the youngest Whitaker in the competition. Robert, who was the inaugural champion in 2003, has now won the competition twice and will this year take home £25,250 for winning the Championship title.

On the Show, Robert commented, “It feels great to win the Championship again! And even better that my family are beside me on the podium! I look forward to future family victories and of course, next year’s British Open.”

Results (06/04/08)

Grand Prix CSI**** de Birmingham

1º Robert Whitaker (Gbr) / Lacroix: 0/4.55.14s
2º Michael Whitaker (Gbr) / Wonami: 6.5/0/56.09
3º William Whitaker (Gbr) / Arielle: 8/0/54.38
4º Shane Breen (Irl) / World Cruise: 11.5/0/55.45
5º John Whitaker (Gbr) / Casino: 10/4/56.62
6º Daniel Deusser (Ger) / Vasco: 12/4/55.13
7º Jurgen Stenfert (Hol) / Okometa: 14.5/4/53.62
8º Dirk Demeersman (Bel) / Tymoon Caloo Meerchen: 18.5/8/52.06
9º Ellen Whitaker (Gbr) / Ocolado: 18.5/65.95
10º Jessica Kurten (Irl) / Vivaldo: 18.5/66.19