The first qualifier of the European Championships Show jumping has been ridden. Under a cloudy sky, but with nice warm temperatures, Pénélope Leprevost was one of the first to go in. France's leading lady set the fastest time and remained on top until the end. Aboard the 10 years-old Flora de Mariposa (by For Pleasure) she took home the win, leading the individual ranking. Ludger Beerbaum came close to the time of 67.67 seconds. Together with Chiara 222 (by Contender) he finished in 69.17 seconds, good for a second spot. The third place was for Great-Britain's Joe Clee. With under the saddle Utamaro d´Ecaussines (by Diamant de Semilly) he secured a spot for the British team. Belgium's Gregory Wathelet (Conrad de Hus) and Ireland's Bertram Allen (Molly Malone V) completed the top five in this class. All finishing clear. The class proved to be an exciting endeavour. Only a handful of riders finished clear and got the luxury of those extra seconds staying away. With this first qualifier finished it is the Netherlands who is taking the lead in the team ranking. With a total of 235.629 points they are followed by Great-Britain and Germany in second and third place.
