John Whitaker takes two titles in Hong Kong

John Whitaker’s winning streak continues with two major victories at the Longines Hong Kong Masters.

Brits on top

John took the title in both five-star Grand Prix riding his own and wife Clare’s stallion Argento – a horse he produced from a novice.

The pair’s first win of the weekend came on Saturday 14 February in the Gucci Gold Cup, with British riders occupying the top three spots. John won the class with a fast time of 40.70secs ahead of Jessica Mendoza, who is 41 years his junior, in second place (41.32sec).

The 18-year-old was riding Spirit T with whom she won team gold and individual bronze at the Junior European Championships in Arezzo last year.

Third place went to Scott Brash and Hello Annie, who were just a fraction of a second slower (41.46sec).

‘Fingers crossed’

John and Argento proved impossible to beat yet again in Sunday’sLongines Grand Prix, winning£150,000 for their efforts.

Out of twenty-six starters 13 made it through to the jump-off, with John setting the standard with a fast clear in a time of 42.54sec. The 59-year-old then had to watch the rest field with his “fingers crossed”.

Germany’s Marco Kutscher was last to go and beat John’s time (42.37sec), but his horse Cornet’s Cristallo had a fence down, which put John in first place for the second day running.

“You always come wishing for the best but I didn’t expect to win the two major classes,” said John. “Argento is on really good form, the last few months he’s been jumping exceptionally well. He obviously likes Hong Kong.”

Million euro bonus

Sweden’s Henrik von Eckermann was second with Gotha FRH (43.28sec), while French rider Simon Delestre was third on Ryan des Hayettes (43.58sec). Martin Fuchs was fourth (43.70sec) and world number one Scott Brash came (44.15sec).

The Longines Hong Kong Masters is now in its third year and is the largest show of its kind in Asia. It is also the one of three legs of the Masters Grand Slam Series,which includes Paris and Los Angeles.

Following his win John is now in the runningfor a €1million bonus which goes to the rider capable of winning all three Grand Prix. There is also €500,000 up for grabs for two consecutive wins, and €250,000 for any riders that wins two of the three events.