Will we see an all-Whitaker line-up?

In what must surely be a first for showjumping – if not any sport – Britain could see four members of the same family ride on a FEI Nations Cup team.

Family affair

World class showjumping performance manager DiLampard had already picked three Whitakers for the squad in Rome and has just announced Robert (Catwalk IV) will replace Ben Maher (Diva II).

Robert joins his dad John, uncle Michael and cousin William on the squad heading to Italy for the third leg of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup series.

Hot contention

Holly Gillot has also been selected, riding Dougie Douglas. The pair rode on the team in Lummen (3 May), where they jumped a clear, so are in hot contention for a place on the team.

Five riders have been selected, from which the final four will be named.

Rome is the first leg of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup where Britain will be competing for points, so Di will no doubt consider carefully who she thinks are the strongest four riders. Family, or not.