John Whitaker wins Munich Grand Prix

John Whitaker has won the CSI 3* 1.60m Munich Grand Prix for the second year running, heading home €20,000 the richer.

Scorching round

It was a big class with 48 starters – only seven of whom jumped clear in the first round. This meant four of the fastest four-faulters made it through to the jump-off along with Swiss rider Christina Liebherr, who had just one time fault.

John rode a scorching round with Argento, the stallion he owns with his wife Claire. The pair stopped the clock on 40.47sec, which was fast enough to win the class, even though they carried over four faults.

Second place went to Ireland’s Denis Lynch with Quote Zavaan (41.99sec), and Christina was third riding LB Midship du Borda (49.43sec).

Great form

John has been on great form recently, winning the leading British rider trophy at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) last month, where he also took the second and fourth spot in the HOYS leading athlete award with Lord of Arabia and Argento.

The 59-year-old Yorkshireman also enjoyed his first Global Champions Tour win in Lausanne – once again riding the talented 12-year-old stallion Argento.