This afternoon, world-class competition took centre stage at Royal Windsor Horse Show with the CSI5* Defender Stakes, as 31 of the sport’s elite riders tackled Bernardo Costa Cabral’s demanding 15-fence course under glorious sunshine.

It was Great Britain’s Jessica Mendoza who set the pace early on, delivering the first clear aboard her talented 12-year-old mare, In The Air. Hot on her heels, USA’s Lillie Keenan followed suit with an immaculate round on Le Louvre 5, ensuring early excitement for the crowds.

As the class unfolded, 15 combinations – including an impressive eight from the home nation – secured spots in what promised to be a thrilling jump-off. Among them were two of Britain’s Paris 2024 Olympic team gold medallists, Ben Maher and Harry Charles, adding even more star power to the line-up.

In true family tradition, the Whitakers made their presence known with four relatives progressing to the second round. Legendary showjumper John Whitaker and his son Robert were joined by Donald and Jack Whitaker – the latter riding Valmy de La Lande, the mount owned by his father, Michael.

Seven nations were represented in the jump-off, and Brazil’s Yuri Mansur was the first to produce a double clear. Ben Maher and Point Break followed, but a wide turn before the double left the door open for the Whitaker clan to make their mark. The crowd erupted as John Whitaker, decorated with Olympic, World, and European Championship medals, surged into the lead with a time of 40.71 seconds. Sweden’s Petronella Andersson laid down a valiant challenge but slotted into third place with a slower time, but it was John’s nephew and Royal Windsor Horse Show Ambassador, Jack Whitaker, who put the pressure on. In a display of brilliance, Jack took out a stride between the penultimate Defender oxer and the final water tray fence to clinch victory in a time of 39.40 seconds – sealing a remarkable family triumph in front of an elated Windsor crowd.

A delighted Jack commented: “I think I was a bit quicker in the middle of the jump-off, he [Valmy de La Lande] was flying around, and jumped amazingly. I feel very very happy to have won here on the first day of International Jumping at Royal Windsor Horse Show.”