The BMW Masters at Jumping Mechelen, the closing class of day two, kept the crowd on the edge of their seats. With every round, the fences were raised another notch and jump-offs followed one another at a rapid pace. The unique format, in which the riders themselves decide which fence is increased, culminated in a thrilling final where the course was built to a maximum height of 1.75m.
A total of ten combinations came to the start, but the Masters were ultimately decided in the last round with six combinations still in contention.
In the opening round, Gregory Wathelet with Double Jeu d’Honvault (Kannan) and Maikel van der Vleuten with Jolly-Jessy (Emir R) were the first to bow out after each had a rail, meaning they did not progress. In round two, all remaining combinations produced faultless rounds, so everyone moved on.
Rounds three and four proved decisive: Hans-Dieter Dreher with Cous Cous 3 (Cachas) and Thibeau Spits with Jazzy des Dames (Emerald) both had a refusal, resulting in elimination.
Final
In the final, the remaining combinations tackled a spectacular 1.75m track purely against the clock. Victory went convincingly to Steve Guerdat with Lancelotta (Falkenhof’s Lancer). Guerdat flew through the course at an incredible pace to secure the win.
“It’s been ten years since I was last here, and it’s a show I’ve always really liked. My horse is in good shape, and it’s always a great feeling to compete in this atmosphere. She produced a super jump-off, so I’m thrilled. The crowd here is fantastic. Once you go into the ring, you forget about everything else. It’s a very exciting feeling.”, Guerdat told after his winning round.
Daniel Deusser was first to go with Gangster v/h Noddevelt (Eldorado vd Zeshoek). He had a refusal and also lowered a fence, finishing on 8 penalties in fifth place.
Jos Verlooy followed second into the ring, but also endured a difficult round. Riding Etundel de Marocy (Diamant de Semilly), he collected 18 penalties and finished sixth.
After Verlooy, the second Belgian combination entered: Nicola Philippaerts saddled Cornethagos PS (Cornet du Lys) and delivered a clear round, but his time was just not fast enough to catch Steve Guerdat. He finished an excellent second.
Gilles Thomas was the last Belgian to go with the BWP mare Qiara de Kalvarie (Sea Coast Don’t Touch Tiji Hero). He had a jumping fault, but his lightning-fast time still earned him the bronze. The final combination, Willem Greve and Grandorado TN N.O.P. (Eldorado vd Zeshoek), also made two jumping errors and finished just off the podium in fourth.
