Equestrianism: Skelton is denied the grand finale by a fraction

Genevieve Murphy
Monday 20 December 2004 20:00 EST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Marcus Ehning deprived Nick Skelton of a momentous double on the closing day of the London International Horse Show when, last to go in a 14-horse jump-off for the Olympia Grand Prix, the talented 30-year-old German rode Sandro Boy to defeat the British rider on Arko III by just 0.4sec.

Marcus Ehning deprived Nick Skelton of a momentous double on the closing day of the London International Horse Show when, last to go in a 14-horse jump-off for the Olympia Grand Prix, the talented 30-year-old German rode Sandro Boy to defeat the British rider on Arko III by just 0.4sec.

Earlier, Skelton had underlined the enormous scope of John and Lisa Hales's Russel when he rode the nine-year-old to win the Christmas Eve Six Bar. The grey stallion was the only one to clear the straight line of four fences in the fourth round, for which the final obstacle stood at 6ft 4in.

Ellen Whitaker had the distinction of beating her two uncles, John and Michael Whitaker, when gaining her first Olympia victory in the Farewell Speed Stakes. The stylish 18-year-old was second to go on AK Quinten and, having whizzed round in 50.10sec, she had a long wait before her prize was secure.

John, who had defeated his niece when they filled the top two places in this year's British Jumping Derby at Hickstead, set out with every intention of doing so again. "He had me on the edge of my seat," Ellen said, after her uncle was 0.74sec slower to be runner-up.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in