Whitaker on course for Atlanta

Equestrianism

Equestrianism

Whitaker on course for Atlanta

John Whitaker's build-up to the Olympic Games is going to plan, as yesterday he jumped two smoothly executed clear rounds on Welham to win the Enza Royal Gala Grand Prix at Hickstead, writes Mary Gordon Watson. The Frenchman Michel Robert, who went last on Airborne Montecillo, was Whitaker's closest challenger, finishing just 0.63 seconds adrift. Peter Charles was fluently clear on the comparatively inexperienced Beneton for Ireland, finishing third ahead of Britain's Di Lampard on Abbervail Dream. Whitaker was delighted with the 16-year-old Welham. "He has never jumped better," he said. Whitaker went on to complete a double when taking the Enza Fuji International Special on the grey Elanville.