London Int. Horse Show Olympia (GBR): Vive la France as Penelope flies to victory

21 Dec 2013

Glamorous French rider Penelope Leprevost brought Friday night at Olympia, The London International Horse Show to a stylish close with a well-deserved victory on Flora de Mariposa in the Longines Christmas Tree Stakes.

The penultimate rider in an enthralling 15-horse jump-off, Penelope was mystified as to where she had found the extra stride that gave her the win, by 0.19sec, over the Netherlands’ Jur Vrieling on VDL Bubalu.

However, the loudest cheers were undoubtedly reserved for the third-placed rider, Britain’s John Whitaker on Argento. He put in a fantastic effort to be third, just 0.3sec behind France’s leading lady.

“I knew I was very close and could hear the crowd behind me,” said John, who looked up at the scoreboard in disbelief. “I really don’t know where I could have gone any faster, but I’m delighted with the way the horse jumped.

“I thought there might be nine or ten in the jump-off, but the standard is so high nowadays. The sport is flying in this country now – I just wish I was a bit younger!”

John revealed that he has been employing the tactic of competing Argento, an 11-year-old son of Nick Skelton’s 2004 Olympic ride Arko, the day before a major competition, and says the horse is feeling good in advance of Saturday’s showpiece class, the Longines FEI World Cup qualifier.

Penelope, who said Olympia is a “special show for me” – she is a former grand prix winner – is also quietly confident about her ride, Nice Stephanie.

Source: Olympia horse show