Two top riders will be certain not to miss the Paris show: British rider John Whitaker and Marco Kutscher of Germany. Whitaker won the Grand Prix at the Longines Masters of Hong Kong with his magnificent horse Argento at the beginning of the year, putting the Grand Slam Masters Super Bonus within his grasp. John remains on course for a Super Bonus of € 250,000 if he marks a (non consecutive) second win in Paris. In Los Angeles, it was Marco Kutscher, the world No. 15, who won the Grand Prix and if his victory in the Longines Grand Prix is repeated in Paris, his performance would be rewarded with a bonus of € 500,000, and carries with it the hope of Super Bonus of € 1,000,000 if he can triple it in Hong Kong.
Read their interviews : 4 questions to these champions.
JOHN WHITAKER
1. What happened in Los Angeles? a fault by Argento? But with you, it can’t be due to pressure...
I don’t really know what happened. Argento was incredible on the first day, I gave him a day to rest and he was in top form for the Grand Prix and there was this fault. I don’t really have an explanation, it could have been his fault, it could have been mine.
2. In Los Angeles, was the event different to european events and in what way? How was your experience?
It was a good event and the atmosphere in the stands was a little different. I can safely say that the atmosphere was incredible on the day of the Grand Prix. It’s a really great event.
3. You returned to the city where you won your first olympic medal at the age of 29 thirty years ago... How is 29 year old John Whitaker different from you now at 60?
Yes, it was great to be back. To be honest, it doesn’t feel like it’s been 30 years! As to how I’m different... I’ve defini- tely got more experience! At the time, we went there with no expectations and returned with a silver medal. This year I went with a goal and I didn’t achieve it. That’s how it goes with this sport!
4. You could still win the 250,000€ bonus in Paris. Do you think you can do it? How are you preparing Argento?
Of course I can. Argento is in good form and I’m making sure he’s fresh for Paris, that’s why I skipped Doha. So I’m clearly focusing on the Super bonus and doing everything I can for it.
MARCO KUTSCHER
1. Did winning in Los Angeles make you set the Masters Grand Slam Super Bonus and its million euros as one of your sporting goals?
I wasn’t aware of the Masters Grand Slam Super bonus, but now of course I’m interested in this challenge and I’m going to work even harder. That said, even without this Masters Grand Slam, I was delighted to come to Paris.
2. Can Van Gogh do it? is there specific preparation especially for the longines grand Prix in Paris?
Yes he can do it but there won’t be any special preparation. If Van Gogh is on good form that day, he can win this Grand Prix just like he can win any Grand Prix.
3. What’s different about the Longines Masters events?
Christophe Ameeuw’s events are always held in a good atmosphere in a beautiful and refined setting. The Longines Masters are famous for having the same setting and the same classes in Hong Kong, Los Angeles and Paris and that’s really great.
4. You left the Beerbaum stables 18 months ago: how has it been? was it the right decision? How are you set up with your owners?
It was a personal decision because I wanted to join my partner, Eva bitter. After 18 months, it’s going well sports- wise. I have good owners, I managed to keep a few that I had from the Beerbaum stables which meant I could keep good horses such as Van Gogh who isn’t for sale.
