Donald Whitaker triumphs as the last to go in the 1.60m Trophée de Genève

Geneva, 11 December 2025 – A spectacular evening of sport thrilled the audience at the CHI Geneva, where the international show jumping elite competed in the prestigious Trophée de Genève, a 1.60m class. The victory went to Britain’s Donald Whitaker, who claimed the top spot riding his own Millfield Colette after a nail-biting finale.

A competition of the highest level

The technical and selective first round saw nine combinations earn a place in the jump-off. Just outside the final, due to a single time penalty, was Belgium’s Nathan Budd, who finished tenth with the Zangersheide stallion Touardo Blue Z, owned by Hugues Delattre.

The jump-off, fast and hotly contested down to the last stride, kept spectators on the edge of their seats.

Whitaker closes in style: victory in the final seconds

Entering the arena last, Donald Whitaker made perfect use of his starting position. With his Millfield Colette, a 12-year-old grey mare by Cornet Obolensky, he stopped the clock more than one second faster than the time previously set by Christian Ahlmann.

The German rider, aboard his 10-year-old stallion Dourkhan Hero Z (Sea Coast Don’t Touch Tiji Hero), had delivered a seemingly unbeatable round. Whitaker, however, found tighter lines and maintained flawless rhythm, securing the win.

The podium and other notable performances

Completing the podium was Cian O’Connor, who produced a solid round with his German-bred Chatolinue PS, by Diablo Blanco, to take third place.

The rest of the leaderboard featured:

• 4th place: Austria’s Max Kühner with EIC Daloubet (Diamant de Semilly), nearly three seconds behind O’Connor and Chatolinue PS.
• 5th place: Swiss favourite Edouard Schmitz, who delighted the home crowd with his sBs gelding Gamin van ‘t Naastveldhof (Chacco Chacco).

A meaningful victory

For Donald Whitaker, this win in the Trophée de Genève marks an important milestone and a further confirmation of the pair’s steady rise. Millfield Colette, a mare with a huge heart and outstanding reactivity, once again proved her ability to shine when it matters most.

The CHI Geneva continues to deliver excitement and world-class sport, confirming its position as one of the most prestigious and beloved events on the international calendar.

ph Patricia Welp

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