Outsider Micahel Greeve (Veeningen) was the first starter in the first round of the Dutch Showjumping Championships He finished in 67.94 seconds and no other combination managed to rider a faster round. The riders are not only competing for the titel over 'Dutch Champion', they're also riding for a ticket to Rio. Two of the most likely candidates Leopold van Asten (Duizel) and Jur Vrieling (Holwierde) completed the podium.  "I didn't really expect to win, but I wanted to ride a fast round," says Michael Greeve. "I was the first starter and everything went exactly as planned. My mare Whitney BB jumped amazing. I stayed in the lead. Whitney is naturally a very fast horse. I gave her some rest in the past few months, I didn't ride a lot of Grand Prix, so I hope Whitney is fit enough to keep my first place. She's a very good horse, I'm very happy with her". The first competition was ridden against the clock. Faults in the course were converted to seconds. These extra seconds will be very important for the rest of the weekend since the riders will be 'taking' them to the next day. The difference between the combinations is small and to stay on the podium, the reigning champion Leopold van Asten can't afford any faults with VDL Groep Zidane N.O.P. They rode a clear round in 68.43 seconds. "It went well", said Van Asten. "I didn't take a lot of risks. Zidane N.O.P. is in good form. He's getting older as well, what makes him easier to ride. I'm happy with my ride today".   The Dutchmen will have to jump again on Friday and Sunday. Sunday we'll know who is the new Dutch champion. Result after the first day of competition
  1. Michael Greeve (Veeningen), Whitney BB (Nabab de Reve), 67.94 sec
  2. Leopold van Asten (Duizel), VDL Groep Zidane N.O.P. (Heartbreaker), 68.43 sec
  3. Jur Vrieling (Holwierde), VDL Zirocco Blue N.O.P. (Mr Blue), 68.68 sec
  4. Gerco Schröder (Tubbergen), Glock’s Lausejunge (Ludwig As), 68.74 sec
  5. Frank Schuttert (Meeuwen), Go Easy de Muze (Vigo d’Arsouilles), 68.92 sec