John Whitaker Wins US$ 700,000 Longines Grand Prix

Legendary British rider, John Whitaker and his 13 year old stallion Argento jumped to victory in the US$ 700,000 Longines Grand Prix in Hong Kong with a time of 42.54.

John now has the chance to win the Masters Grand Slam Series super prize money of one million euros if he can claim victory in upcoming competitions in Los Angeles and Paris.

The Longines Grand Prix was the highlight of the three-day Longines Hong Kong Masters 2015, with riders competing over a tough 1,60m course, tacking 14 challenging fences, created by course designer Luc Musette. Of the 26 riders in the first round, only 13 made it through to the second round with a faultless performance.

Last year’s winner, Sweden’s Henrik von Eckermann, finished in second place riding Gotha FRH, with a time of 43.28, closely followed by France’s Simon Delestre who, riding Ryan des Hayettes, finished the course in 43.58 seconds.

The top three riders were congratulated by; Longines Ambassador of Elegance, Aaron Kwok, Longines President Mr Walter von Kanel and EEM World CEO, founder and organizer of the Longines Hong Kong Masters, Christophe Ameeuw, during a prize giving ceremony.

On his win, Whitaker, who also won the Gucci Gold Cup, said, “You always come wishing for the best but I didn’t expect to win the two major classes. Argento is on really good form, he’s been jumping exceptionally well throughout the weekend and hasn’t touched a fence. He obviously likes Hong Kong!”

Whitaker said winning the Longines Grand Prix was one of the biggest highlights of his illustrious career. “This stands up there with everything that I have done,” he said.

The next leg of the Masters Grand Slam will take place in Los Angeles in October, followed by Paris in December.

See also: Pictures from Longines Hong Kong Masters 2013.