Ryan's Son (ISH) & John Whitaker - 1986 Hickstead Derby

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".