Billington proves quiet achiever

Equestrianism

Geoff Billington and Michael Whitaker filled the top places in yesterday's Hotel Ancira Stakes on the second day of the Monterrey International Horse Show, leaving both to dream of bright futures with their promising seven-year-old horses.

Billington won this contest at the Club Hipica la Silla on the German- bred Nico, whom he has been bringing on quietly for two and a half years. Whitaker and Dinky Toy chased for all they were worth but were in vain.

Rodrigo Pessoa was able to catch Robert Smith, who had another fine round on Mighty Blue, to take the lead in the Aeromexico Challenge. The Brazilian and his 15-year-old mount Loro Piana Special Envoy shaved 0.12sec off the Briton's time, winning in 36.71.

John Whitaker had defeated Austria's Hugo Simon when winning one of Wednesday's three contests on Hunter's Level. However, Simon prevented a Whitaker double with a split-second victory over younger brother Michael in a jump- off for the Seguros America Challenge.

Simon had been the second of 12 to jump off and he threw down the gauntlet in some style on the grey, Apricot D. Having finished clear in 42.19sec, the Austrian had to watch and pray while three others only just failed to catch him.

Michael Whitaker was the fastest of this bold trio with Twostep (42.53sec), followed by Mark Leone, of the United States, on Loro Piana Artos (42.65) and Belgium's Ludo Philippaerts on Trudo Krawaat.

Twostep, so disappointing at the Olympics, where he was found to be suffering from back problems, looked to have regained all his old brilliance.

MONTERREY INTERNATIONAL HORSE SHOW (Mexico): Seguros America Challenge: 1 Apricot D (H Simon, Aut) clear, 42.10sec; 2 Twostep (M Whitaker, GB) clear, 42.53; 3 Loro Artos (M Leone, US) clear, 42.65. GB: 6 It's Otto (G Billington) clear, 44.69. 10 Grannush (J Whitaker) 4 faults. 48.02; 19 Cathleen III (N Skelton) 4 faults in first round. Hotel Ancirax: 1 Nico (G Billington, GB) clear, 32.89sec; 2 Dinky Toy (M Whitaker, GB) clear 33.41. 3 La Silla (G Tops, Neth) clear 33.82. Aeromexico Challenge: 1. Loro Piana Special Envoy (R Pessoa, Brazil) clear, 36.71sec; 2. Mightly Blue (R Smith, GB) clear, 36.83; 3. Apricot D (H Simon, Austria) clear, 37.25.