9 May 2012

The Rolex One to Watch for May 2012 is George Whitaker (GBR). Currently based in Huddersfield, Yorkshire in Northern England, the 19-year-old jumped from 354^th to 231^st during May – a move up the Rolex Rankings of 123 places.

George is from the most successful family in the sport of Jumping, and he forms part of the next generation of the Whitaker dynasty, along with his brother William, and cousin Ellen. His uncles, John and Michael, have been the cornerstone of the British Jumping team for the last 30 years; they both won team silver at the  Los Angeles 1984 Olympic Games as well as numerous European and World Championship medals.

George is part of the British Equestrian Federation’s UK Sport-funded World Class Development Programme, which works with talented riders to maximise their potential and deliver success in Dressage, Eventing and Jumping. He is also currently undergoing an apprenticeship with the intention of gaining skills in horse care and management.

In July 2008, at the age of just 16, he won both the individual and team gold at the FEI European Pony Jumping Championships in Avenches (SUI), riding 10-year-old gelding, The Colour of Money.

In July 2011, Whitaker made his debut at Young Rider level with the talented 11-year-old mare, Tubana, where the pair received team bronze at the European Championships in Comporta (POR). Later the same year, Whitaker achieved a double win in Austria at the CSI2* Grand Prix Salzburg Arena Messezentrum, where he also won the prize for the highest placed Under-25 rider.

2012 has seen the young rider develop his talents further, having claimed victory at the CSI2* Grand Prix Comporta (POR) and the CSI3* Grand Prix Maubeuge (FRA), both aboard Tubana.

The Rolex One to Watch is an initiative which identifies the rider who has made the biggest jump within or into the Top 250 of the Rolex Rankings the previous month.

For details online featuring the Rolex Rankings please visit: www.fei.org/disciplines/jumping/rolex-rankings

June’s Rolex One to Watch will be announced at the beginning of June 2012.

Photo Caption: George Whitaker proudly wearing his team bronze medal at the FEI European Jumping Championships for Children, Juniors and Young Riders 2011 in Comporta (POR)

Photo: SPORTFOT/Rolex

2^nd May 2012: The Jumping Owners Club (JOC) today announced the launch of its first ever website which has been created to both raise awareness of the Club and its role within equestrian sport, as well as to provide Club members with a single source of news and information. The website address is www.jumpingownersclub.com

The JOC was founded in partnership with the FEI in 2004 to recognise the role of the owner in the sport of Show Jumping, and to provide them with a representative voice. The Club currently has over 50 members from around the world, all of whom own horses which compete at a variety of levels. The Club is chaired by Mr. Christian Baillet, owner of Randgraaf, and notable members include Mrs. Madeleine Winter-Schulze, owner of Gotha and Coupe de Coeur 2 ridden by Ludger Beerbaum, and Mrs. Emmanuele Perron-Pette, owner of Kevin Staut’s leading mare Silvana HDC.

Mr. Christian Baillet, Chairman of the JOC said: “The launch of the JOC website is the first major step towards increasing awareness of the role played by the owners in the sport of jumping, and we hope it will encourage more owners from around the world to join the Club.”

The new website aims to provide JOC members with an easy source of up-to-date news, as well as a quick-stop for all event information. Providing a login area, JOC members will be able to indicate their attendance at an event, as well as obtain links for upcoming events’ hospitality and tickets.

The new JOC website will also equip potential new members, and the public, with an outline of the purpose of the JOC and its aims for the future. A full interview with the Chairman, Christian Baillet, is also available.

01 May 2012

In 2001, Rolex created the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing. This prize is awarded to any rider who wins each of the Rolex Grand Slam Events, namely the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials and the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials consecutively.

Following the cancellation of the 2012 Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials due to adverse weather conditions, Rolex and the organisers of the three Rolex Grand Slam events wish to clarify the eligibility of a rider claiming the Rolex Grand Slam prize of $350,000. To confirm, the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing prize will be awarded to any rider who wins all three events consecutively.

Therefore, with the current contender of the Rolex Grand Slam prize being William Fox-Pitt (GBR), who has now won the 2011 Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials and the 2012 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, Fox-Pitt will now have to win the 2013 Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials in order to claim the prize, as this fulfils the criteria of having to win each of the three events consecutively.

For the first time in the history of the Rolex Grand Slam, the current situation means that Fox-Pitt could be challenged for the title at the same event if any other rider consecutively wins the 2012 Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials and also the 2013 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event.

USA, 29 April 2012

William Fox-Pitt (GBR) riding Parklane Hawk, today Sunday 29 April 2012, kept his cool at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, in Lexington, with just one rail down, to win the Event and the second leg of the Rolex Grand Slam. Allison Springer (USA) riding Arthur, was second and Boyd Martin (USA) riding Otis Barbotiere was 3rd.

Quotes from William Fox-Pitt after his winning round (links to audio of full interview below):

Q: Many congratulations – what a round: What a relief and what a fantastic horse! It is a great honour and a great pleasure to be here back at Rolex and it’s such a tremendous event – the atmosphere is second to none and it’s been an amazing week for me. A huge relief and lucky I had a fence in hand!

Q: Just tell me a bit about your round today? He’s a super jumper, I think the atmosphere was quite a big deal – he came in a bit tight and tense and yes he rolled a pole but so what – he basically jumped very well indeed. The pressure was on and the course is the Rolex four star and it’s my second leg in the Grand Slam and I’ve never got this close before, but next week is another week mind you, but to be this close is so exciting and what a great way to finish up!

Q: William how does this compare to winning Burghley last year? Of course winning any four star is fantastic and winning Burghley, which was my sixth Burghley is special but then you come here and its Olympic year so it’s a big year anyway – he’s a horse I believe in – he needed to answer the questions but then for it to be the second leg [of the Rolex Grand Slam] and to be that close I was thinking don’t let it slip away and he didn’t! He’s fabuous and what an amazing horse – Im very lucky to have the ride on him.

Q: So can I say you are one giant step closer towards that Rolex Grand Slam next week? It is a giant step and I know you were asking that before the competition and I wouldn’t even talk about it but of course it’s a big step – it’s fantastic for me and its fantastic for Rolex, but next week is a big week and this is the closest I’ve ever been – I’ve never got as close as two wins in a row!

Having claimed victory at the 2011 Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials, and now victory at the 2012 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, William is the current live contender for the Rolex Grand Slam prize. Fox-Pitt now faces the daunting challenge of following up his Burghley and Kentucky victories with winning at Badminton next week to claim the $350,000 Rolex Grand Slam Prize.

USA, 28 April 2012

William Fox-Pitt (GBR) riding Parklane Hawk, today Saturday 28 April 2012, is the current leader after the Cross-country phase at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, in Lexington, having ridden an immaculate clear round over the cross-country and within the optimum time. This puts William currently into 1st position going into tomorrow’s final Show Jumping phase (41.3pts). Allison Springer (USA) riding Arthur, who was the overnight leader after Dressage, went clear cross-country but had 2.8 time penalties, giving her a score of 42.6pts going into Show Jumping.

Quotes from William Fox-Pitt after his clear cross country (link to audio of full interview below):

Q: William, an incredible round you are only the third double clear this morning, you made it look so easy – talk us through it: “Well that’s the idea, it doesn’t always happen like that. its great to have a good round here at the Rolex under your belt and really stand me in good stead for the 2012 season ahead. He went very well. He’s a good horse and it was causing trouble as you said and you begin to doubt yourself, you begin to doubt your horse and that’s so dangerous – you’ve just got to really believe that you are riding a very good horse with good form, and this course should be fine – and I was right to think that. He really ate it up and came home easily in the time.”

Q: When you saw all the other horses having so many problems and big riders, did that make you change any approaches to any fences?  “It didn’t make me feel very good! I thought yesterday there were a few tricks out there but there wasn’t anything to change.  I had in my mind how I might ride number 9 if he hadn’t jumped in well but he was right on line and eyeing up that triple brush coming out very well and I think that was the real bogey fence today – that’s the one we’ve all been dreading and I was very happy to have that behind me.”

Q: Any other scares as you went around:  ”No, he was superb, he is quite feisty and he can have opinions of his own. Once or twice turning was a little bit untidy but maybe I am being fussy – he was damn good!”

Q:  You were about four seconds within the optimum time, how did you get it so close?  ”He gave me some ride. He is a thoroughbred horse, he has raced in New Zealand, his grandfather is Danehill so I had a huge advantage. He is pure class. I was down at the beginning and you just need to settle him on this course. I knew that 15 seconds down on a horse like that is irrelevant and we just gradually crept back up and by nine to 10 minutes we were spot on and I just cantered home really – I didn’t have to use my legs – it’s a real luxury isn’t it!

It’s another day tomorrow and I just hope he’s ok after today –that’s the first obstacle.”

Having claimed victory at the 2011 Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials, former Rolex Kentucky champion William Fox-Pitt (GBR), is now the current live contender for the Rolex Grand Slam prize. Fox-Pitt faces the daunting challenge of following up his Burghley victory with back-to-back wins required at both Kentucky and Badminton, with just one week apart.  

USA, 27 April 2012

Allison Springer (USA) riding Arthur, today Friday 27 April 2012, is the current leader after the Dressage phase, with William Fox-Pitt (GBR) riding Parklane Hawk in 2nd place, and Clark Montgomery (USA) riding Loughan Glen in 3rd place at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, in Lexington. 
             
Quotes from William Fox-Pitt post media conference (link to audio of full interview below): 

Q. How did the test feel, how does it feel to go into cross country tomorrow: “The pressure is on. I’m very excited about Parklane – he is a good horse, we did a good test. A few little mistakes here and there but you always do have things that don’t quite go to plan. But lying second behind Allison who did a superb test. I think at this stage it’s a good position to be in but I am going to have my work cut out with the pressure on and I am going to have to go for it tomorrow.

Q. Any tactics in particular – how are you going to attack the cross country tomorrow? “I think the course is there to be jumped. There are not a lot of options really if you are going to be competitive – you’ve got to get out there and attack it. I’m just going to set out and see how he feels, certainly at this stage I am not planning any long routes and hoping to come back nicely inside the time after a big galloping round, but you have to dream the day before don’t you because otherwise you would be running off home.”

Q. So one step closer to towards that Rolex Grand Slam:  “Well it’s getting closer isn’t it. It’s a good position to be in we’ve got a lot more to do and certainly very exciting. But I’m not thinking about the Rolex Grand Slam – hopefully if I put in my best performance here then I might be another stage closer, but there is a long way to go.”

GBR Placings after Dressage:

Lucy Wiegersma (GBR) riding Granntevka Prince, 8th
Oliver Townend (GBR) riding Pepper Anne, 9th
James Alliston (GBR) riding Jumbo’s Lake 23rd
James Alliston (GBR) riding Parker, 45th

Having claimed victory at the 2011 Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials, former Rolex Kentucky champion William Fox-Pitt (GBR), is now the current live contender for the Rolex Grand Slam prize. Fox-Pitt faces the daunting challenge of following up his Burghley victory with back-to-back wins required at both Kentucky and Badminton, with just one week apart. 
 

Having claimed victory at the 2011 Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials, former Rolex Kentucky champion William Fox-Pitt (GBR), is now the current live contender for the Rolex Grand Slam prize. Fox-Pitt faces the daunting challenge of following up his Burghley victory with back-to-back wins required at both Kentucky and Badminton, with just one week apart.

If anyone is up to this formidable challenge, it is Fox-Pitt whose record ranks with the absolute best in the sport’s history.  ROLEX caught up with Fox-Pitt this week whilst he was en route to the airport to see Parklane Hawk safely off on the plane to the 2012 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, April 26-29:

How is Parklane Hawk?

Parklane Hawk is on very good form. He has undergone some good preparation and is feeling fit, so hopefully he will perform very well. In terms of travelling, he is quite a sensitive horse but he comes from New Zealand so he has travelled before. To get them from England to the States, the carry-on is quite excessive. [Parklane Hawk flew out to Kentucky on Tuesday 17^th April].

How has your training and preparations been this winter and spring?

It’s gone to plan, and so far it’s been hitch-free. The horse has had three good runs, and he’s on good form for the States.

Why did you pick Parklane Hawk for Kentucky?

I discussed it with the owner [Catherine Witt] and that’s just how it worked out. The owner has one horse for Badminton as well and we decided between us that as he’s done Lexington before, we thought it was a good one for Parklane Hawk. 

Do you know anything about Derek di Grazia’s [Kentucky Cross-country course designer] changes to this year’s Kentucky cross-country course?

I haven’t seen the changes that Derek has made, but from what I understand, he is being a bit more authoritative this year, so I look forward to seeing the new course, as it is hard to predict what it will entail. It could have a good change and feel to it!

My main aspiration for the week is that Parklane Hawk consolidates his form from Burghley.

Travelling out to Kentucky

I fly out to Kentucky on Monday [23^rd April]. It’ll be all about Rolex this week and then we’ll focus on Badminton and the big dream of winning the Rolex Grand Slam.

Copyright Free Photography

Please click this link: https://rcpt.yousendit.com/1472749083/35546fcdce95479c84eb91087ee144c3 for copyright free photos, courtesy of ROLEX, of William Fox-Pitt competing at the 2011 Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials and the 2010 Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event. Please note, these images are for editorial purposes only.

For more information on the 2012 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, please visit www.rk3de.org

Notes to Editors:

Rolex Grand Slam Of Eventing

In 2001, Rolex created the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing. This trophy is awarded to the rider who manages to win the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials and the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials event in any consecutive order. Until now, only British rider Pippa Funnell has managed this staggering achievement, winning the title in 2003.

William Fox-Pitt

Fox-Pitt was the first British rider to earn Eventing’s Number 1 World Ranking, a distinction he achieved in 2002 and again in 2009 and 2010. He has ridden in three Olympic Games—1996 in Atlanta, 2004 in Athens where he won a team Silver Medal, and 2008 at Beijing where he won a team Bronze. He also won a team Bronze Medal at the 2002 FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) in Jerez, a team Silver at the 2006 WEG in Aachen, and team Gold and individual Silver at the 2010 WEG in Kentucky.

Fox-Pitt is the only rider to have won five of the world’s six Four Star Events, having won Burghley a record six times (1994, 2002, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2011), Badminton (2004), Luhmulen (2008), Rolex Kentucky (2010) and Pau (2011). He has won the HSBC FEI Classics twice (2008 & 2010) and finished second in 2011. He has won seven team Gold Medals at European Championships and has been the number one ranked British rider nine times.

The Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, 26-29 April 2012.

The Rolex One to Watch – April 2012

The Rolex One to Watch for April 2012 is awarded to Sheikh Ali Bin Khalid Al Thani (QAT). Currently based in Qatar, Al Thani trains with Jan Tops during the summer months at the Dutchman’s stable – Stal Tops – in Valkenswaard (NED). The 29-year-old jumped from 348th to 197th during March – a move up the Rolex Rankings of 151 places.

Showcasing the recent rise in quality of The Gulf Cooperation Council region’s Jumping riders, Al Thani has produced numerous outstanding performances on all nine horses that he competes with. Al Thani has taken part in some of the world’s most prestigious Jumping competitions, including the FEI World Cup™ Jumping – Arab League, the Global Champions Tour, and the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2010 in Lexington, Kentucky (USA).

Qatar is one of the fastest growing Arab nations in the sport of Jumping, which their national team demonstrated at the end of 2011 by finishing third at the Pan Arab Games in Doha (QAT). Al Thani showed his worth at the Games by claiming an impressive individual second-place finish riding Sieshof’s Abraksas. The Pan Arab Games came soon after the CSI3*-W Riyadh (KSA), where Al Thani secured a second-place finish with 11-year-old gelding, Cascano, in December 2011.

March 2012 was encouragingly eventful for the young Qatari rider, who rocketed up the Rolex Rankings after securing a fourth-place finish at the CSI3* Dortmund (GER), riding 14-year-old gelding, L.B. Casanova, and a third place at the CSI4* Braunschweig (GER), with 12-year-old gelding, Cantaro 32.

The Rolex One to Watch is an initiative which identifies the rider who has made the biggest jump within or into the Top 250 of the Rolex Rankings the previous month.

For details online featuring the Rolex Rankings please visit: www.fei.org/disciplines/jumping/rolex-rankings

Great Britain men saved their best performance until last in the Pinsent Masons’ London Handball Cup at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre on Saturday, narrowly losing out to Korea 25-29.

After two defeats to world-class Tunisia and Argentina in the first couple of days, GB men turned on the style against the Koreans – none more so than Steven Larsson who used his height and skill in equal measure to score 14 goals for GB, who got better as the tournament went on despite playing against three of the best teams in the world who have qualified by right for the London Olympics this summer.

The plan for the Pinsent Masons’ London Handball Cup was to give Great Britain experience of playing against the top nations so they can better prepare for this summer’s Olympics. On that score it is very much ‘job done’ with lessons learned, and Great Britain will take heart from their performance against a very strong Korean side.

Great Britain’s Steven Larsson finished the tournament as top-scorer with 19 goals, while Korea’s Yi-Kyeong Jeong scored a total of 15.

Tunisia won the event overall with two wins and a draw, while Korea finished second.

Great Britain men will now begin preparations for the qualification tournament for the 2014 European Championship in Italy from June 8-10, where they will face Switzerland and Greece as well as the host nation.

Pinsent Masons’ London Handball Cup

Results:

April 5: Tunisia 30 Korea 25, Great Britain 15 Argentina 32.

April 6: Korea 31 Argentina 25, Great Britain 15 Tunisia 41.

April 7: Argentina 23 Tunisia 23, Great Britain 25 Korea 29.