Fairytale seventh Cock O' The North triumph for John Whitaker headlines day three of Great Yorkshire Show

The highlight of Thursday belonged to local showjumping legend John Whitaker, who delighted a packed crowd by winning the prestigious Ripon Select Foods Cock O' The North trophy for a remarkable seventh time – more than half a century after first lifting the title.

The 70-year-old, riding Equine America Unick du Francport, produced three faultless clear rounds before edging out his nephew James Whitaker and Just Call Me Henry in a thrilling jump-off.

John's winning time of 39.42 seconds earned him a standing ovation from spectators around the Main Ring.

Reflecting on his latest triumph, John 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."

John first claimed the Cock O' The North title 51 years ago, making Thursday's victory a fitting fairytale moment for one of British showjumping's most celebrated names.

Across the livestock rings, supreme champions were crowned in several sections as judges selected the very best of British farming.

The Beef Supreme Championship was awarded to Aberdeen Angus cow Blelack Princess Carina, shown with calf at foot by Devon breeders Mr and Mrs Mike Alford and handled by Cathal O'Meara and Daisy Newton.

Daisy said: "It's a great accolade and a great pleasure to show this class of cattle.

"The Great Yorkshire is now my favourite show."

Reserve Beef Supreme went to Mary Cormack's British Simmental heifer, Cade Kathleen's Rockstar.

In the dairy section, Duncan Horsley enjoyed an unforgettable first visit to the Great Yorkshire Show after claiming the Dairy Supreme Championship with 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."

His success continued later in the day when he also claimed the Margaret Chapman Dairy Pairs title alongside junior cow Ingleview Sc Ruth.

The Price Supreme In-Hand Horse and Pony Championship attracted 21 breed champions into the Main Ring, where North Yorkshire breeder Jane Strickland took top honours with her home-bred Irish Draught mare, Appleton Aristocratic Lady.

Jane, from Appleton Wiske, was overcome with emotion after the victory.

"I just can't believe it" she said.

Judge Jane Domhill praised the mare, saying: "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."

In the sheep section, Ellie Owens continued an impressive run of success as her Kerry Hill yearling gimmer claimed the Supreme Sheep Championship after already winning at the Royal Highland Show earlier this season.

There was also cause for celebration for teenager Rosie Garth, from Bentham, who was crowned the Great Yorkshire Show and National Sheep Association Shepherd of the Future 2026.

Rosie, whose family has a long history of exhibiting at the show, said: "It's amazing to win – I'm very proud of myself."

It marked another memorable year for the young competitor, who won the show's young handler title last year.

Meanwhile, a three-year-old Large Black pig secured Supreme Pig honours, giving owner Jack Holroyd his first-ever Great Yorkshire Show victory.

Jack 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."

Away from the competition rings, television presenter Jules Hudson, best known for BBC's Escape to the Country, spent the day meeting competitors before chatting with visitors on the Ariat GYS Stage about his broadcasting career and signing copies of his latest book.

The show also welcomed Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Emma Reynolds, who toured the showground alongside Farming Minister Steven Morgan and Defra Permanent Secretary Paul Kissack.

Speaking about another successful day, Great Yorkshire 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."

The 2026 Great Yorkshire Show concludes on Friday, with all four days sold out and a record-breaking 150,000 visitors expected through the gates during the event.

More than 8,500 livestock have competed across the four-day show in pursuit of coveted championship titles and rosettes.

For more information about the Great Yorkshire Show, visit https://greatyorkshireshow.co.uk/