Top 10 highlights from day one at the London GCT
British success, a flying Dutchman and a very glamorous supermodel — the GCT of London has kicked off in tremendous style
John Whitaker
John Whitaker is one of the most admired showjumping riders worldwide and is still going strong at the age of 63. He has competed in dozens of major international championships collecting 24 medals at Olympic, World and European championships during his long and successful career to date.
John was selected to represent Britain at the Rio Olympics with the talented, yet inexperienced, mare Ornellaia. The daughter of For Pleasure had been on great form ahead of selection. He ruled out his top ride Argento, despite the stallion winning at grand prix level this season, saying: “Argento is a great horse, he’s a real fighter but he has his limits and I don’t want to push him beyond them.”
John Whitaker has also won numerous major classes such as the Hickstead Derby. One of his most famous horses, Milton, was the first showjumping horse to win more than £1 million in prize money.
John is married to Claire and they have three children, Joanne, Louise and Robert.
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‘He had a lovely life’: tributes paid to top puissance horse
John Whitaker described him as a ‘great all-rounder’ who arrived at his yard with ‘great big balls’ that ‘got in the way when he jumped’
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Golden oldies: today's equestrian legends pictured past and present
We've trawled through the H&H archives to bring you some of the current legends of the equestrian world — now and how they looked as fresh-faced young hopefuls back in the day
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Scott Brash and John Whitaker head Global Champions League line-up
Now in its second year, the showjumping series boasts eight of the world’s top 10 riders in its line-up and a prize pot of €10.5 million
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The ultimate Whitaker quiz: have you got the legendary showjumping family sussed?
You'd be excused for getting your Whitakers in a muddle from time to time. Britain's showjumping dynasty seems to be ever expanding — as do their list of jumping accolades. Put yourself to the test with our quiz...
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Michael and John Whitaker: 7 things you might not know about the legendary brothers
We caught up with the legendary John and Michael Whitaker for a trip down memory lane
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'This one is for my mum': Emotional Cian O’Connor wins Showjumper of the Year at HOYS
The biggest showjumping class of HOYS went down to the wire on the final day of competition
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Charlotte Dujardin, the Whitakers and Big Star to head to HOYS
Top names from the world of dressage and showjumping head the line-up at this year's Horse of the Year Show
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No team showjumping medal for Britain: defending champions out of the Rio Olympics
Problems for all four British riders today mean that London 2012 gold medallists Britain will definitely not win a team showjumping medal in Rio
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What time do the British showjumpers ride in the Olympic team competition?
The draw for the first round of the team competition has taken place — find out when Britain's riders will take to the arena in Rio tomorrow
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'Tougher than expected': carnage in Rio Olympics showjumping but Britain's John Whitaker shines
Eight riders failed to complete the course today, but Britain is hanging in there in the middle of the pack of 15 teams
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British showjumping team revealed for Rio Olympics
A quartet of male riders have made the final four riders heading to Rio
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Who is your favourite of showjumper John Whitaker's star horses?
From Milton to Peppermill, John Whitaker has partnered many well-loved horses to success, but who is your favourite? Cast your vote below
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Watch John Whitaker and Argento’s winning round in St Tropez *VIDEO*
At 60, John Whitaker is still dominating the world of showjumping — watch his and Argento's most recent grand prix victory
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British showjumpers seal Nations Cup victory in Rome
A brilliant start to the Olympic countdown for the British team in Rome — plus John Whitaker reveals which horse he's hoping to take to Rio
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John Whitaker: A round of applause for a brilliant new show *H&H VIP*
John Whitaker shares his views on the first running of the Liverpool International show
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Olympic medallists head the entries for new Liverpool show
The inaugural Equestrian.com Liverpool International Horse Show runs from 1-3 January
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John Whitaker: Selling sand to the Arabs at a remarkable show *H&H VIP*
John Whitaker reflects on the Global Champions Tour final in Doha and its impressive facilities
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Scott Brash squeaks into second round of GCT Final grand prix
After one fence down, Britain's showjumping world number one is still in the hunt for the overall 2015 GCT title
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Lauren Hough recovers from last night's fall to win speed class at GCT Final show in Doha *VIDEO*
The US rider found her form today, winning €20,295 in the speed class, after a tumble yesterday
