The CSI1* Grand Prix was dominated by Belgian riders. Pascal Van Laethem fastest to the victory in 32.42 seconds. He rode with Eugenie des Hayettes, a sBs-gelding by Clinton who was bred in France by Yves Lauwers. The second place was for Thibeau Spits who came into the arena with Cleostrade (by Ginus) and stopped the time in 32.60 seconds. The third clear jump-off was by Inge Carton, this Belgian rider crossed the finish in 34.41 seconds with her horse Umbrella Brimbelles (by Kannan).
The top five was completed with Evelyne Vergauwen who had the fastest time but got 4 faults in her jump-off. She stopped the time in 31.92 seconds with Walliby Groenservice (by VDL Corland). Andrea Di Silvestro rode Djiminy Criket des Begeries (by Baloubet du Rouet). This Italian combination also got 4 faults in their jump-off.
The highlight of today was the CSI2* Grand Prix, sponsored by Flandria Rent. 58 combinaties entered the show ring for this class, but only four of them rode a clear first round. A jump-off with four combinations had to decide about the winner...
And that winner became the Japanese rider Taizo Sugitani. He rode his 12-year old Cassini II son Cuba to the finish line in 29,26 seconds, leaving the wood untouched. With this time, he beat the French rider Benjamin Robin who ended on second place with Unfinity Bois Margot (f. L'Arc de Triomphe). They jumped a clear jump-off as well and finished in 30,22 seconds. Philipp Lever and Comme Il Faut (f. Diamant de Semilly) completed the podium. This Australian combination left the wood untouched and finished in 31,72 seconds.
Cameron Henly (Quirex) and Niels Bruynseels (Chief) completed the top five.
Click here for all results
Picture: Sugitani in yesterday's GP qualifier with Diamant