John Whitaker rolled back the years to claim a seventh Ripon Select Foods Cock O' The North title as champions were crowned across the Great Yorkshire Show on Thursday.
The 70-year-old showjumping star delighted the packed Main Ring by winning the Show's biggest jumping class aboard Equine America Unick du Francport, beating his nephew James Whitaker in the jump-off.
It marks 51 years since John first won the prestigious title in 1975.
He said:
"I didn’t think I could beat Jim as he was really fast and Henry is a fast horse. The Great Yorkshire Show is where it all started and it is still an iconic competition."
Elsewhere, supreme champions were crowned across the livestock rings.
The Beef Supreme Championship went to Aberdeen Angus cow Blelack Princess Carina, owned by Devon-based Mr and Mrs Mike Alford.
Handler Daisy Newton said:
"It’s a great accolade and a great pleasure to show this class of cattle. The Great Yorkshire is now my favourite show!"
The Dairy Supreme title went to Duncan Horsley's Holstein Intermediate cow, Bartinney Duplo Swizzle 2.
Duncan said:
"It is our first time at the Great Yorkshire and it is very special to win Supreme. The Great Yorkshire Show is iconic."
North Yorkshire breeder Jane Strickland won the Price Supreme In-Hand Championship with her home-bred Irish Draught mare, Appleton Aristocratic Lady.
She said:
"I just can’t believe it!"
Judge Jane Domhill added:
"I saw a well put together horse that filled the eye and moved well and held its frame with a smile on its face. She is gorgeous."
The Supreme Sheep Championship was won by Ellie Owens with her Kerry Hill yearling gimmer, while teenager Rosie Garth from Bentham was named the Great Yorkshire Show and National Sheep Association Shepherd of the Future 2026.
Rosie said:
"It's amazing to win. I'm very proud of myself."
The Supreme Pig title went to a three-year-old Large Black owned by Jack Holroyd.
He said:
"I thought I had a good chance, but the judges decide on the day. I am so pleased to have won at The Great Yorkshire and I absolutely love the show season."
Show Director Rachel Coates said:
"It's been a special third day at the Great Yorkshire Show with outstanding examples of British livestock and equestrian skill to delight visitors, exhibitors and competitors alike.
"It just goes to highlight the pride and passion that this Show truly thrives on, from across the region and beyond."
BBC presenter Jules Hudson also visited the Show on Thursday, meeting competitors in the equine rings before speaking on the Ariat GYS Stage.
The Great Yorkshire Show concludes tomorrow (Friday), with all four days sold out and a record 150,000 visitors expected across the event.
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