Britain’s World Cup hopes increased this weekend with confirmation that Michael Whitaker and Wayne Channon have both qualified. The FEI World Cup jumping and dressage finals take place in Las Vegas (19-22 April).
In the final FEI World Cup dressage qualifier at ‘s-Hertogenbosch in Holland, Laura Bechtolsheimer finished seventh with Douglas Dorsey on a score of 74.10, leaving her in 12th place on the FEI leader board. She was subsequently offered a wild card to compete at the World Cup but has declined the invitation due to university commitments.
Wayne Channon, ranked 15th on the FEI dressage leaderboard, was also offered a wild card and will be journeying to Las Vegas for the competition.
Meanwhile there was good news for British show jumping when Michael Whitaker’s ticket to Las Vegas was confirmed. Whitaker has been enjoying an exceptional season, holding fifth place on the FEI leader board — the only British rider in the top 20.
His performance in the final qualifier at ‘s-Hertogenbosch this weekend was perhaps not his greatest — aboard Suncal Portofino he clocked up 12 penalties to take 32nd position. But consistent performances in the previous 12 qualifiers ensured his place in the Las Vegas final.
