A total of 12 combinations came to the start of the jump-off in the 1.60m Rolex Grand Prix in Brussels. Until the last combination at the start it remained exciting. Three combinations managed to clear the second round just like the first. In the end, José Maria Larocca recorded the best performance with his 14-year-old KWPN gelding, Finn Lente (Gaillard de la Pomme).
The Argentinian rider took second place in last year's Rolex Grand Prix of Brussels. "The dream of finishing on top of the podium is always there, but as the years go by, you become more realistic. You realize it won't always happen, but sometimes dreams do come true. I look up to the riders next to me (Guerdat and Fredricson); they are among the best in the world, and even I can still learn a lot from them. It’s an honor to share the podium with them."
"My apologies for the grass, Stephan – just send me the bill," joked the Argentinian after completing his victory lap in his brand new Audi SQ6 in a rather sporty fashion. "We must really respect the immense work that goes into organizing such shows. The atmosphere throughout the entire weekend brought everything together. Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to make this possible."
Former Belgian champion Koen Vereecke brought hope for Belgium in this Grand Prix. The rider from East Flanders started second to last with the BWP stallion, Kasanova de la Pomme (Bamako de Muze). The pair was faster than the winning duo but knocked down one rail on the second fence, still securing a fifth place!
The Argentinian winner was followed on the podium by Steve Guerdat and the 11-year-old SF mare, Dynamix de Belheme (Snaike de Blondel). "I always want to be competitive at this show, which is why I bring my best horses. This time, I brought Dynamix because I really wanted to compete with my strongest team. This was our first competition together after the Olympics, so this result is fantastic."
"After this competition, Dynamix will have a longer break. We will compete in one or two more World Cup events, like Lyon and Stuttgart, followed by Geneva. After that, she will get two to three months of rest."
"The Rolex Series is fantastic for our sport. The concept brings together the best shows, which creates something very special. It's great to see so much enthusiasm and involvement around it. Since Rome, it's clear how the concept is growing and what it means for the sport. We are really lucky to have such initiatives and dedicated organizers. It’s inspiring, and ultimately, that’s what this sport is about – continuously improving."
With the 14-year-old SF stallion, Alcapone des Carmille (Diamant de Semilly), Peder Fredricson jumped to third place. The Swede secured an international podium! "We have seen sport at the highest level. The course was well-designed, not too high, but technical with many challenges. The time limit was perfectly set – you didn’t have to rush, but you had to stay aware. A jump-off like today is an ideal scenario."
"I haven’t had this horse for very long, and we haven’t done many jump-offs together yet. During the course, I felt where the opportunities were, but in hindsight, perhaps I should have left out a stride towards the last fence."
Just outside the top three was Lorenzo de Luca, who had already won the CSI3* Grand Prix. Last week, De Luca claimed victory in the LGCT Grand Prix in Valkenswaard, and this time he jumped to fourth place with Denver de Talma (Vigo Cece). The duo finished ahead of Koen Vereecke and his 14-year-old BWP stallion.
Emilie Conter also placed in the top ten. Conter, competing on home turf, jumped to tenth place with Portobella van de Fruitkorf (Bamako de Muze).