For Germany, Rupert Winkelmann won the 5* Opening Class at Lost Lake Farm grounds yesterday. With Conrad 115 (by Cristallo I) he jumped a clear second phase over 1.40m with the fastest time.
With 47 combinations competing in the first five-star class of the week, Winkelmann left the other 35 clear in the dust. With the clock stopped at 34.78, it became a very exciting battle for the gold as just 6 hundredths later Amy Millar crossed the finish line with Christiano (by Canoso) and came in second. Erynn Ballard was allowed to complete the podium with Gakhir (by Spartacus).
In the top five the BWP'er Chess (by Bufero van het Panishof) landed on five under Kyle King. The American had Alberto Michan ahead of him with Nabal de Trivera (by Nabab de Reve).
"In the end, the strategy was pretty simple, keep a fast, forward rhythm, turn short where possible, and leave a pass out where possible," Winkelmann summed up his winning round with the nine year old gelding.
Photo ©: ESI Photography