John Whitaker climbs to the top of Ivy Stakes

John Whitaker may be 60 years old but he’s showing no signs of slowing down, coming out on top after a 12-strong jump off in the H&M Ivy Stakes at Olympia.

Double clear

Riding Ornellaia, a 10-year-old mare that he only started riding in February, John produced a super double clear in a time of 36.32 sec to take first prize.

Steve Guerdat was nearly a second in arrears on 37.06sec on Bianca, while Maikel van der Vleuten and Cupido V finished fourth on 37.77sec.

Close

“Persistence has paid off – I’ve been trying to win all week and I’ve come close, so it’s nice to finally win a class,” said John afterwards.

He paid tribute to his bay mare, who is by For Pleasure. “She’s progressed all year and keeps getting better and better. She’ll keep me going a bit longer,” he added.

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