Robert Whitaker and Equine America Vermento etched their names into Hickstead history by claiming an unprecedented third Al Shiraaa King George V Gold Cup on the final day of the Agria Royal International Horse Show.The reigning champions returned to defend their title in style, adding the 2026 crown to victories in 2023 and 2025. In doing so, the 13-year-old Argento gelding, who was bred by Roberts father John, became the first horse in the modern era of showjumping to win Hicksteads prestigious grand prix on three occasions. The feat has not been achieved since Harry Llewellyn partnered the legendary Foxhunter to a third King George success in 1953. An emotional Robert reflected on the significance of the victory afterwards.To win it three times is incredible. What can I say? he said. I didnt have the best draw and had to go first in the jump-off. I know this ring is very big and open, and its easy to have a fence down, so I just wanted to jump a safe round.To be honest, I thought I was a fraction slow, and when I was clear after the second-last fence, I probably took a bit more time than I should have. But it paid off. Whitaker also paid tribute to long-standing owners Caroline and Stephen Blatchford, whose support has been instrumental in the partnerships success.Theyre fantastic owners, and weve got a lot of horses coming through, he said.The victory also sees Robert equal his father John Whitakers tally of three King George titles. John claimed the trophy with Ryans Son in 1986, the great Milton in 1990 and Welham in 1997. Roberts uncle Michael Whitaker remains a four-time winner, while David Broome still holds the all-time record with six victories.Drawn eighth in the opening round, Robert and Vermento produced the first of just five clear rounds to secure their place in the jump-off. As the first combination to return against the clock, they faced the challenge of setting an early target, stopping the clock in 43.34sec after another faultless round.Canadas Nicole Walker came closest to denying the British rider aboard Panter JVH. Although quicker on the clock, a slip on the turn before the final fence disturbed the geldings balance, resulting in them knocking it down. Brazils Stephanie Maciera came forward with Novak De Kalvarie hoping to become only the second female rider to win the King George since the class was opened to women in 2008. She produced the only other double clear of the competition but crossed the finish more than a second behind Robert to claim the runner-up spot.Jack Whitaker finished fourth with Jack JL after lowering two fences in the jump-off, while Jessica Mendoza, who was part of Fridays British Nations Cup-winning team, completed the top five aboard Summerhouse.Picture courtesy of Elli Birch/Bootsandhooves.Related contentGemma Stevens makes history with third Eventers Challenge title at HicksteadI love them so much: 11-year-old girl jumps her way into history books at HicksteadPole exercises that make clever, confident horsesTina Cooks top tips for jumping on grassRichard Waygoods cavaletti exercisesFive common problems with a riders jumping position solvedThe post To win it three times is incredible: Robert Whitaker and Vermento take historic Hickstead King George victory appeared first on Your Horse.