John Whitaker equal 2nd in the 1986 Hickstead Derby (4 faults) on the 18 year old Irish Sport Horse (ISH) 15.3 hh (160cm) Gelding, Ryan's Son
1986 Hickstead Derby Result:
1. Paul Schockemöhle & Deister (clear round)
=2. Kieran Rooney and Hyland Serpent (ISH) (4 faults) by a TB and out of an I.D. mare
=2. John Whitaker and Ryan's Son (ISH) (4 faults) by a TB and out of a Conn./Clyde.. mare
=2. Harvey Smith and Shining Example (4 faults)
=2. Michael Whitaker and Owen Gregory (ISH) (4 faults) by a good TB and out of good I.D. mare
John Whitaker and Ryan's Son won the 1983 Hickstead Derby and other placing's in The Derby.
Ryan's Son (ISH) - Bred by: Ned Byrne, Gorey, County Wexford (south-east), Ireland.
Ryan's Son & John Whitaker won the individual Silver medal at the 1980 Olympics (for show jumping - "alternative") in Rotterdam, Netherlands. As the GB equestrian team boycotted the 1980 Moscow Olympics.
They say the show jumping course at these "alternative" Olympics was "big" a real size Olympic course.
Gold: Gladstone & Hugo Simon
Silver: Ryan's Son (ISH) & John Whitaker
Bronze:
Then in 1984 age 16 Ryan's Son (ISH) claimed a team Silver for GB at the Los Angeles Olympics.
Not many horses jump at two Olympics.
John Whitaker was asked what was the difference between Ryan's Son and Milton ?
His answer; "the colour".
