After 25 years there was again a Derby at the Azelhof venue in Lier, Belgium. A beautiful restored setting with great atmosphere made it worth while looking at. A total of 27 horse-rider combinations battled it out with only two selected for the jump-off. Sponsor CEO, Antwerps Schildersbedrijf, Brian Meeuwissen even tryed to conquer this heavy Derby course. In the end it were Belgium's Gilles Dunon with Casanova (by Vaillant) and Bart Clarys with Gentille (by Heartbreaker) who qualified for the Jump-off. In the end Gilles Dunon set the fastest time taking home the win. Second was Bart Clarys. The third place was for Donaat Brondeel and Breemeersen Crescendo. The pair finished without touching the wood, unfortunately with some time penalties. Compatriot Jeroen Appelen had one rail down with Filesto van de Herkant. The pair finished fourth and was followed by Dominique Joassin and Hermanie. Also Wouter Devos (Emporio van t Holeinde) and Karel Cox (Fay vd Berghoeve) kept the damage limited with only four faults. Organizing this event, the Azelhof proved to have become a big player on the international scene.
