Robert Whitaker

The leading showjumper talks to Jennifer Donald about Catwalk IV, the tough quest for future stars and hoping to represent his family at the World Cup Final

- Jennifer Donald

IT’S been 29 years since the Whitaker name was last etched on the World Cup trophy. But next month, Robert is hoping to join the elopers, gamblers and thrill-seekers boarding a Las Vegas-bound flight for the prestigious final. It was Robert’s father John who rode

Milton to the first of their back-to-back World Cup victories back in 1990, but memories of his uncle Michael’s runner-up finish at the world-famous Thomas and Mack Center in 2005 have really inspired Robert this season.

“That event was something special. I’ve jumped in a few World Cup Finals, but I’ve always wanted to compete in Vegas,” says the 37-year-old Yorkshireman, who just missed out on automatic qualification – competition to secure a place at this year’s finale has been hotter than the Nevada sun. He remains hopeful he could yet qualify on a wild card.

Robert’s leading partner this season has been his stable superstar Catwalk IV – the 17-year-old who was wayward in his youth, but has been nurtured into a top grand prix horse.

“He certainly had a lot of character as a young horse, but he’s just been incredible,” says Robert. “Some horses lose their jump as they get older, but he doesn’t feel like a 17-year-old – he’s still so scopey and finds it all very easy.”

In Helsinki in November, Robert not only won his first World Cup qualifier, but also secured a rare double when heading the show’s grand prix, too.