By George! Rising up the family rankings

Buoyed by an encouraging 2012, the youngster now hopes to prove hot property in 2013.

Whitaker, just 20, is the rising star of his famous family, which boasts seven riders inside Great Britain’s top 20.

George is fourth in the family list behind uncles John and Michael plus nephew Robert but, in his own right, he is the 17th best show-jumper in the country.

That standing is largely thanks to a fine 2012 which was highlighted by April’s victory in the three-star Grand Prix Maubeuge in France with long-standing partner Tubana.

After whizzing up 123 places in the Rolex world rankings from 354th to 231st, the Yorkshireman was subsequently named the watch company’s “one to watch” in May, 2012.

And, no doubt, one to thrive again this year, Whitaker’s hand being strengthened by some blossoming young recruits waiting to come of age in 2013.

“I had a good 2012 and I won a few good Grand Prixs,” Whitaker told the Yorkshire Post.

“I won a three-star Grand Prix in Maubeuge with Tubana but in this last year I have only really had her to compete with at a big level.

“Now I’ve got a couple of others that were a bit young last year - horses that have grown up a bit. Hopefully, they can help Tubana out a bit.

“Hopefully, my 2013 should be even better than 2012 because I’ve got better horse-power.”

Tubana, 13, remains the Outlane star’s prized equine asset but three other horses who are all at least five years younger are now waiting to burst onto the scene.

“Some of them have weird names but my best horse is still Tubana followed by Wesselton M, who is 10,” said Whitaker, based with older brother George and younger brother Jim on the outskirts of Huddersfield.

“Then I have got another one called JB’s Hot Property who is eight.

“I’ve also got another eight-year-old called More Candy and eight is probably the age where you start to step up to bigger classes.

“We’re hoping in this next year that we can get them going and that we can crack on with them.”

For Whitaker, the year’s initial target is the bumper seven-day Arezzo extravaganza in Italy, which takes place between March 12-17.

The Huddersfield prospect has already received the perfect boost ahead of that outing with the news that he has been re-selected for the World Class Development Programme which runs from 2013 until 2015.

Funded by UK Sport, the Programme works with talented riders to maximise their potential and deliver success on the international stage.

Whitaker was thrilled with his re-selection alongside older brother William and cousin Joe Clayton, also of Huddersfield.

“I was really pleased to get back on the Development Programme because you get a lot with it,” said Whitaker.

“You get a lot of training with very professional people and It’s a massive help.”

But while the programme is an example of his home country providing crucial support, that does not stop Whitaker longing to begin his Italian assault.

It seems the recent big freeze has taken its toll.

“I can’t wait for Italy,” laughed Whitaker. “It’s too flipping cold here now!”