Michael Whitaker hit top form at the weekend when he won the €350,000 Rolex Grand Prix at the World Equestrian Festival, CHIO Aachen 2012 in masterful style.
Michael reminded everyone exactly why he is one of the world’s leading riders when he and GIG Amai, the 12 year-old bay gelding owned by Beatrice Mertens, produced just one of the only two treble clear rounds. His fast jump-off time of 49.73 seconds claimed him the top spot.
In second place was Thomas Voss (GER) riding Carinjo, and third place was Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum (GER) riding Bella Donna.
With 40 starters all hoping to take home their share of the prize fund, it was a tough course with only seven riders jumping clear in the first round. With only three of those producing a clear in the second round, it meant a three way jump-off was to be the key decider as to who would take home first place.
Nick Skelton with Beverley Widdowson’s 11 year-old grey gelding Carlo were the next highest placed British combination. A clear in the first round followed by an unfortunate four faults in the second round left them in eighth place.
The British Equestrian Federation (BEF) have now confirmed that Micheal riding GIG Amai will be non-travelling reserve horse and rider combination for the Equestrian Jumping team.
The combination will be nominated to the British Olympic Association (BOA) to compete for Team GB if a substitution is required.
| 2:30pm | Team Fredericks |
| 3:00pm | FEI Classics 2013: Kentucky |
| 4:00pm | Unstable |
| 4:30pm | Unstable |
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