John Whitaker and Argento set an unbeatable time round a clever track to win the Zinc Management Trophy on Friday at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS)

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Riders who were clear in the first round had to choose a six-fence route in the jump-off, testing both their riding and navigational skills.

Watch our interview with John above to find out how he beat Billy Twomey, and which fellow Whitaker stole his tactics.

Five Fence Challenge

Earlier in the day, John also shared the winning honours in the Harry Jo & Co Five Fence Challenge with fellow Brit Tim Stockdale.

The class could have gone to one round more, but as the only two remaining to contest the top prize after four rounds, and with some fences standing a whopping 1.80m, Tim and John decided to share first prize.

“Because it was going to be a win for two Brits in front of a home crowd, we decided to share it,” said Tim. “My horse jumped really well, so it was nice to be able to reward him for doing so.”

John Whitaker agreed, and joked: “We are both a bit old, so it’s a relief! It might have been a different matter if there was a foreign rider in the class though.”

Young riders

It was also a successful day for one of Tim Stockdale’s students. Jess Dimmock won the Young Riders Championship of Great Britain with Capello II, having baked and sold cakes in her home county of Northamptonshire in order to fund her lessons with Tim.

“They are great cakes as well!” joked Tim. “In all seriousness, she works very hard and I would say I work with her rather than train her. I am so pleased for her to win here at this special show.”