Romantic return for William as brothers tackle Italian job

Five weeks of continuous competition begins on Tuesday and finally concludes on Sunday, April 14.

Expect William Whitaker to be particularly joyous – celebrating his four-year anniversary with show-jumping girlfriend Elisabeth Fredlund complete with 13-month-old daughter Isabella.

William, 23, and George, 20, will fly the Yorkshire flag in Arezzo this Spring with the two brothers having departed for Italy yesterday morning.

George is being joined by his girlfriend, Alice, and William by Elisabeth and their baby daughter.

It was at the Arezzo competition of 2009 where the Huddersfield show-jumper met Swedish competitor Elisabeth, who was to eventually move to England as the young sporting pair’s relationship developed.

Four years later, the duo are heading back to Italy complete with a baby girl, with young parent William thriving on being a father and relishing the forthcoming Italian trip down memory lane.

“We are going to the show where we met four years ago and April 13 will be like our anniversary if you like!” a chirpy Whitaker told the Yorkshire Post before setting off to Italy.

“We just met at this competition in Italy and it just went from there really.

“Fatherhood is going well and it’s good being such a young dad.

“It’s a big change but I wouldn’t change it for the world. It came as a bit of a shock to start with but I think it’s helped that Isabella is a really good little girl.

“She comes to all the shows like a little mascot and it’s great. She’s been everywhere this last year – she’s quiet and she doesn’t take much entertaining.

“Plus my two brothers, George and James, are two godfathers so they have to do their piece every now and then as well.”

James, the youngest of the three brothers at 15, is another rising show-jumper but one who will miss this Spring’s Italian assignment while he prepares for his GCSEs at Salendine Nook High School.

All three siblings are based together at their own stable in Outlane and Will admits his youngest sibling is not exactly chuffed at being left behind.

“My younger brother won’t be going as he’s got exams,” said William. “He’ll have to wait another year and he’s not happy.”

But his two brothers seem certain to fly the Outlane flag powerfully in his absence with George currently ranked 17th in Britain with William just behind in 20th.

In all, there are eight Whitakers who are all related and ranked inside Britain’s top 22 – headed by William and George’s uncle, Michael, at No 2.

Even now, young dad William knows the expectancy will be that his daughter will follow the family tradition.

“The three of us brothers just fell into it really. My dad Ian doesn’t actually ride but we all just got into it from watching John and Michael really.

“We just got the bug that way and got into it through European ponies and then we just worked our way up.

“With Isabella, I’m not going to push her into it but we’ll get her a pony and see how she goes really. We will support her all the way.”

But for now at least the ponies can wait and, in any case, there is something more pressing that needs sorting – as William is all too aware.

The Huddersfield ace laughed: “I haven’t popped the question to Elisabeth yet but that will be the next thing I’m sure. If she behaves herself that is and does what she’s told!

“I’m only joking and we’ve just been really busy lately but I’m sure we’ll make some time for that in the near future.”

April 14 William?