William Whitaker finishes on top in Stuttgart

William Whitaker has won the fifth leg of the Longines FEI World Cup series in Stuttgart, Germany – beating some of the top names in showjumping.

‘Put your foot down’

William was second to go out of ten riders in the jump-off and followed uncle Michael Whitaker’s advice to “put your foot to the floor from the start”. The 25-year-old put in an incredible performance riding Fandago to produce a fast clear in 47.27sec, which proved impossible to beat.

America’s Lucy Davis was second riding Baron (49.84sec), while Swiss rider Steve Guerdat finished third with his Olympic gold medal winning horse, Nino des Buissonnets.Three-time World Cup champion, Marcus Ehning was fourth riding Coronado NRW (50.83sec).

Tried his best

“I didn’t see Lucy go, but Michael said she was quick,” said William. “I had my plan already made for what I had to do anyway, and my horse tried his best – I knew I was going fast!”

Michael missed out on a place in the jump-off himself, after Viking knocked a pole in the first round. The only other Brit competing was Spencer Roe, who had two down riding Wonder Why.