William Whitaker wins Longines FEI Jumping World Cup at London Olympia

Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-23 05:01:31|Editor: mmm
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LONDON, Dec. 22 (Xinhua) -- Britain's William Whitaker posted the "biggest" win of his career when galloping to victory in the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup event at Olympia in London on Saturday.

The 29-year-old, riding Utamaro D Ecaussines, finished in 37.02 seconds in a thrilling dramatic jump-off in front of a packed home crowd, beating Belgium's Karel Cox (37.21) and American Laura Kraut (37.70).

"The World Cup at Olympia is like a Championship," Whitaker said. "You get one shot at it every year and it's all got to come together on the day. I told myself, if you're clear in the first round then don't hold back."

"It's surreal. Since I've been coming here as a kid this has been a dream, and I can't believe it's actually happened."

William Whitaker became the third member in their family to win the event. His two uncles, John Whitaker, won the event twice in 1998 and 1999, and Michael Whitaker, took the title here in 2010.

"I have memories of watching John and Michael winning the World Cup here - one of the things that got me out of bed in the morning was thinking that some day I could do it too."

Michael finished fourth and John 29th.

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