Guy Williams, renowned for being quick against the clock, set the early pace as third to go in the first International 4* competition of the Show, the Manama Speed Stakes, with an immaculate clear in a time of 26.94 seconds. Those that followed tried in vain to catch Guy at the top of the order, who went away eventual winner aboard the fourteen-year-old chestnut gelding Casper De Muze. The penultimate rider, USA’s Laura Kraut looked to put Guy’s lead in jeopardy, making all the turns and galloping to the last, creating excitement amongst the packed grandstand, however her time of 27.23 was only good enough for second place. In third was Joe Davison, son of former Royal Windsor Horse Show Dressage winner Richard Davison, who jumped the two phase track clear in 27.79.
The feature event of the day, the Bahrain Pearl Stakes, saw a global field of 35 world class riders contesting the £7,500 first prize, reflecting the upgraded status of the show to 4* level. Great Britain’s Tim Stockdale was the first to jump clear in the 17 horse jump-off, setting a time of 41.06, however it was double Olympic gold medallist Beezie Madden who threw down the gauntlet, knocking over five seconds off Tim’s time, stopping the clock in an impressive 36 seconds. The twisty course caused a few problems for those trying to chase the leaders, but home favourite John Whitaker pulled out all the stops jumping clear in 33.62 aboard the stunning stallion Argento to take the lead much to the delight of the Windsor crowd. However, when it looked like John had the class wrapped up, it was son Robert, riding Catwalk IV, who had the final say posting an impressive clear in 32.44 to take the well-deserved victory.
