On June 22 at Hickstead, Robert Whitaker and his 19-year-old Belgian gelding, Gentleman VD Veldhof, triumphed in the prestigious Al Shira’aa Derby, a challenging event known for its demanding obstacles like Irish banks and a 10-foot drop. Whitaker, who acquired Gentleman less than a year prior with this specific class in mind, praised the horse’s experience and form, noting Gentleman’s previous strong performances in the Derby and other top competitions. This victory marked a historic moment for the Whitaker family, making Robert the fourth Whitaker to win the Derby and part of the first father-son duo to claim the title, alongside his father John.
The jump-off saw Robert competing against his cousin William Whitaker and Sammie-Jo Coffin, with Robert setting a fast, clear round time of 88.33 seconds to secure the win. William, the 2016 champion, finished a close second, just behind Robert. This win was a culmination of Whitaker’s strategic planning and Gentleman’s proven class, adding to their recent successes including a CSI5* 1.50 victory in La Coruña and wins in Six Bars classes in Madrid and Leipzig.
