Thrilling finale sees Stockdale triumph at Hickstead

The 45-year-old British Nations Cup rider displayed nerves of steel to land arguably British showjumping's most prestigious prize and just over 53,000.

Last to go in round one, the combination produced an immaculate clear round then repeated that feat during an absorbing seven horse jump-off. It meant the popular Stockdale, from Roade in Northamptonshire, going one better than last year.

He was quickest during the 2009 King George jump-off on Fresh Direct Corlato, yet an agonising final fence knockdown meant the trophy went to his British colleague Peter Charles instead.

But Stockdale, who underlined signs of Kalico Bay's promise with notable three-star wins in Portugal and France earlier this year and a solid Nations Cup performance in Sweden, made no mistake this time around.

Robert Smith, watched from the hospitality boxes by his father Harvey, looked to have done enough for a fourth King George title spanning 31 years when he clocked a clear in 59.53 seconds.

Stockdale though, proved almost two seconds quicker and received a standing ovation from Hickstead's packed grandstands.

Reigning European champion Kevin Staut had to settle for third spot on Le Prestige St Lois, with William Funnell (Billy Congo) - a star of Great Britain's stirring Nations Cup triumph two days ago - fourth.

The chances of a first female rider landing the King George were kept alive through Ellen Whitaker (Locarno 62) and Tina Fletcher (Hello Sailor) both making the jump-off.

But current British Open champion Whitaker had the first fence down, ending up fifth, one place above Funnell's Nations Cup team-mate Fletcher. German Daniel Deusser (Lady in Blue Z) was seventh.

Earlier, John Whitaker showcased all his experience to win the opening class on the final day.

The 54-year-old Yorkshire star produced a masterful ride on Voss to land the Royal International Accumulator.

The accumulator sees points awarded for fences jumped, with a maximum score of 65 available.

Whitaker was one of 11 riders among a 35-strong field to achieve that total, but a time of 58.76 seconds left his rivals trailing.

Germany's Lars Nieberg, aboard Landadel, took second in 59.50, with Dutch challenger Jur Vrieling (Sissi van't Schuttershof) third.

Kent-based Guy Williams saw hopes of his second successive accumulator title agonisingly disappear when he had fence three down on Belinka VH Overlede Goed.

There was agony for another Yorkshire challenger – Robert Smith – who posted the quickest time of 56.72 on Raging Bull Vangelis S, but dislodged the final joker fence obstacle that carried double points.