Equestrianism: Young jumpers leave Whitakers spoilt for choice

The old guard of British show jumping was back in the limelight yesterday, when Michael and John Whitaker filled the top two places in the opening contest of the Olympia Show Jumping Championships.

The brothers thereby gave extra momentum to the theory that Britain needs to rely on the old stalwarts again, especially now that they appear to have some talented young horses. Michael's victory in the Welcome Speed Stakes was achieved on nine-year-old Landfurst, who had already proved his ability when winning last month's Toronto Grand Prix.

The second of 31 horses to tackle the tricky course, Landfurst produced a score that the others could not match. John, going towards the end of the contest on eight-year-old Carmen, moved into second place with a fluent round to underline the mare's growing reputation.

With her long ears pricked forward, Carmen gave the pleasing impression that she loved every moment of it. "She's positive and careful and she has lots of scope," said Whitaker of his new mount, who was among six horses sent to him a couple of months ago by a Belgian owner, François Lieser.

Both Whitaker brothers have yet to decide which horses they will ride in tomorrow's World Cup Qualifier. Michael has to choose between Landfurst and Handel II; John will decide between Carmen (who was 11th in the Geneva qualifier on Sunday) and Lord Z.

Both are in the happy position of having two horses that look competitive at this level. Michael was again best of the British, though only 11th on Haddon House Carlson, in the following Speed Stakes, which was judged on time with a four-second penalty for each fence down.

Michel Robert of France won on Olympia, defeating Toni Hassman, of Germany, on Graziana by a 0.25sec margin. Four horses (including Whitaker's) achieved faster times than the winner, but were penalised for a single error.