Glory for both young and old at HOYS
There was immediate success for Yorkshire riders as the climax of the British equestrian events year got underway, and the region’s top horses and riders, including several members of the Whitaker family, continued a rich vein of form through the tournament.
Huddersfield-based William Whitaker, riding La Vie Est D’Or, took top honours in the two-phase Grandstand Welcome Stakes competition after clocking 30.06 seconds for the jump-off stage before a packed arena at Bimingham NEC.
Despite an early draw of fourth from 27 starters, his time set a high bar that no one else could reach in what was William’s first competition with the 10-year-old bay mare.
“I managed to pick up the ride this week, which is fantastic,” said William, who first competed in the show 25 years ago. “When you are producing horses and stepping up to that level, you never quite know how it is going to go, and it has been very pleasing to get out there and get some good results.
“It is at home; all my family are here watching, and whatever class you are winning in the main arena here, it always gives you that special feeling.”
Meanwhile, William’s uncle, 71-year-old John Whitaker, of Upper Cumberworth, riding Equine America Unick Du Francport, led the way in the Leading Showjumper of the Year grand prix until being pipped to the post by Jodie Hall McAteer, in a race against the clock that also included John’s son Robert and nephew Jack.
Jack and his Silkstone-based cousin Joe delivered a thrilling finale to the Dallamires Stables Cup, separated by just 15 hundredths of a second following a jump-off, with Joe taking the top prize on Vagalenco GF and Jack pushing him to the limit aboard D&H Valmy De Le Lande.
Joe said: “We have been coming to this show as a family for years, and it is always great to ride here. It is what we do the sport for, and getting a win makes it absolutely fantastic.”
On day four of the tournament, seven-year-old Gracie-May Whitaker; the daughter of Harrogate-based HOYS champions Michaela Whitaker and international showjumper George Whitaker, rode Martin Wood’s six-year-old Welsh A Thistledown Wood to win the Colne Mountain & Moorland Lead Rein Pony of the Year Welsh, followed by the overall Championship spoils.
Adding a new piece of history to the Whitaker dynasty, Gracie-May and her parents were over the moon with her first HOYS win. “I’ve won HOYS eight times [including the Hacks and Intermediates],” said Michaela. “Not one of them lives up to this. It’s the most amazing, unreal feeling – it’s a dream to win here. And we love the mare so much. I turned round, and all the Whitakers were standing there… I can’t ever explain the feeling.”
Family and friends also turned out in force to witness other Yorkshire youngsters’ success at the tournament. Northallerton’s Henry Leggott finished fifth in the Leading Pony Showjumper of the Year contest, which was once won by showjumping legend Michael Whitaker.
Elsewhere, rising star Jemima Makin-Jones, of Micklefield, received strong support aboard Jane Makin’s eight-year-old strawberry roan part bred Welsh mare Colway Belle of the Ball, as they danced their way to the 123cm Show Hunter Pony class red rosette as well as Reserve Champion.
Former Ilkley and District Riding Association member Jemima, who won HOYS Mountain & Moorland mini championship in 2025 on Wernderris Charlie Fox, also claimed second in the 128cm children’s riding pony on Rotherwood Spring Rain, a 12-year-old bay gelding. Her mother, Annabel, said: “It has been a journey, and it has taken a long time to get her right, but she has been worth it.
“We bought Pinky when she was five and had her broken by a friend. We struggled with her for three years, but she came good this year. We’ve never given up on her; we knew she was good enough and she’s beautiful, so we persevered, and now we have a HOYS winner!”
Richmond-based Katie Benbow, who fractured her wrist a week after qualifying for HOYS, landed the NAF Five Star Bronze League Championship, guiding her bay mare Latico to victory after eight combinations from 14 starters made the jump-off. She said: “I’ve had friends, family, everyone keeping her fit, my partner keeping her fit for me, just riding her and just trying to keep her going.
“I wasn’t sure what was going to happen, but we managed to pull it off. I don’t think it is going to sink in for a while. It’s unbelievable. She is a very quick mare and very competitive against the clock, but anything can happen on the day.”