SHOWJUMPER John Whitaker remains confident about his chances of competing in his sixth Olympic Games despite tough competition to make the British squad.
The 55-year-old Huddersfield star saw his plans for London 2012 derailed late last year when his top horse, Peppermill, suffered a major injury setback.
That left Whitaker in a race against time to prepare his second-string horse, Argento, for the Games.
British showjumping chief Rob Hoekstra is set to select a four-strong team for the Olympics in June and Whitaker faces a stiff challenge from Nick Skelton, Ben Maher, Robert Smith and Scott Brash to secure a place.
However, the experienced Yorkshireman, from Upper Cumberworth, believes he will be able to ensure his 10-year-old stallion, Argento, will be at his peak at the right time to help him book his place at the Games.
“At this time last year I would have said I don’t think Argento would be in contention for a place in the Olympics,” Whitaker said.
“But this year, after the way it went through last year he improved so much so I think I have a chance.
“I purposely held Argento back and even held him back this year, as I don’t want to start him off too soon.
“I want him to peak at the right time. We’re starting off in Spain next week and I’m just going to build him up from there and hopefully he can get a few results when it counts and basically see what happens.
