The jumping program of the London International Horse Show closed off on Sunday with the Santa Stakes. The CSI5* 1.55m class challenged most of the riders and their horses, having only one combination finishing double clear. John Whitaker proved to be still on top of his game with Sharid.
Aboard of the offspring of Toulon, Whitaker was the only one to manage to leave the poles up in this thrilling course. Scott Brash (GBR) steered to a fast round on Hello Mr President (Comme d'Api v/d Hacienda Z) but had to settle for second after a pole touched the sand. Last to go was Lorenzo de Luca. The Italian took third place with Violino Il Palazetto (Verdi TN).
Matthew Sampson (GBR) is the rider who can't stop smiling. After a very successfull run in the World Cup, the British rider finished his day with a fourth place on MGH Candy Girl (Sligo Candy Boy). The top five was rounded by Kendra Claricia Brinkop (GER) and Ma Belle (Ugano Sitte). Last in the jump-off was World Cup Winner Ben Maher (GBR) with Sentimiento LS La Silla (Casall).