At the grand old age of 26 years, Robert Whitaker is a veteran of international competitions, representing Great Britain and securing eight European Championship medals. It is no surprise that a son of the legendary John Whitaker would be a natural in the saddle and have a good eye for a jump but no one can deny this young man has real talent and is surely on route for London 2012 selection.
Currently ranked No 2 in Britain and 30th in the World, Robert, as well as having the notorious Whitaker surname, is making his own name for himself in the industry. Competing in his first Nations Cup Team at only 18 years old, Robert was selected to ride in the jump-off for Great Britain and jumped the winning round to secure the Team Gold. His career has never looked back and he has now represented Great Britain in Nations Cup teams 18 times and another 14 times on World Cup teams.
Robert will be returning to the NEC from 16th-19th April 2009 to defend his 2008 title of British Open Show Jumping Champion, a title he has now secured twice and will be trying to regain for a record-breaking hat-trick. If he achieves this he will be the first rider ever to take the title three times. The 2008 British Open Show Jumping Championships (British Open) was a spectacular success for this famous family with Whitakers claiming the top three spots. Robert’s Uncle Michael took the Reserve title, while Cousin William clinched third place having jumped impressively all week. This family is like no other in the sporting fraternities and have raised the profile of the sport almost singlehandedly for non-equestrian enthusiasts as well as their enormous fan base in the equestrian world. Robert’s father, John, rode in Beijing as part of Team GB, totalling his Olympic appearances to an incredible five! Michael, Robert’s Uncle has ridden in four Olympics himself, only missing out on 5 appearances due to his horse’s lameness in Hong Kong (where the 2008 Olympic Equestrian Games were held), and neither look set to retire anytime soon. The legacy of this family continues with the younger Whitaker generation coming through, the commercial aspect of the industry has seen what lucrative opportunities lie here with these media friendly, exceptionally talented young prospects. With computer games, wormers, clothing and stable bedding just as an example, the Whitakers are everywhere!
So how does the Reigning Champion prepare for the show? Robert’s attitude here is very similar to the understated and modest approach of his father. He is unassuming and his approach to competition is uncomplicated. Robert revealed that actually his preparation is no different regardless of the prestige of the show; the important factor is the horse’s fitness and their form so he maintains his top horses and his young prospects in exactly the same way by competing regularly and observing their fitness and condition. See Robert in action with his fantastic string of horses this April, the approach to London 2012 could be the start of something very special.
There is international show jumping on every day at the British Open amongst a feast of other equestrian disciplines and entertainment. This is the only indoor show in the UK featuring Celebrity Arena Polo with captains Katie Price and Amy Guy aka Gladiator Siren, Barrel Racing, Indoor Cross Country, The Metropolitan Police Activity Ride presented by Equimax Tabs, Osborne Refrigerators Scurry Racing, a Working Hunter Grand Prix, the Pony Club Team Home International and Jean François Pignon and his magical performing horses. Don’t forget we have Katie Price and Amy Guy aka Gladiator Siren competing in Arena Polo on Sunday 19th which is sure to be a recipe for drama and fierce competition! This is an equestrian extravaganza designed to meet the needs of every equestrian enthusiast and to entice and enlighten the most resigned non-equestrian! For tickets click here or call the Box Office on 0844 581 1301.