Daniel Coyle and the son of Cardento jumped to the win in 70.99 seconds. The pair finished just under half a second ahead of Luciana Diniz with the SF gelding, Vertigo du Deser (Mylord Carthago, breeder: L. Aubaux). After crossing the finish line in 71.57 seconds, Kevin Staut completed the top three with the 11-year-old SF mare, Feline de Hus HDC (Kannan).

Staut relegated Scott Brash with Hello Mango (Untouchable) to fourth place. The Brit was followed by Daniel Deusser and the BWP stallion, Otello de Guldenboom (Tobago Z).

Last year, Richard Vogel won the 1.45m Prize of Handwerk in Aachen with Phenyo van het Keysersbos (Corydon van T&L). The pair followed in sixth place in this 1.55m class.

Speaking on his win, Coyle stated: “This is a really nice way to start the weekend. To win the first qualification class is not something that always happens. In speed classes, you often need a little bit of luck – which I had – and that is very normal. The best riders in the world are here, and today I was fortunate to come out on top. Farrel, is now 16 years, and I have had him since he was seven. He has gone through every level with me and been incredible. He is like a best friend. When I need help, he is always there, and today we needed to qualify, so he really stepped up.”

The Irishman added: “Aachen is one of the most important shows in the world, so it is always special to have a win here. I am not sure yet which horse I will ride on Sunday. I will have a discussion with the owner, look through the videos, and see which horse feels like the best option for the Rolex Grand Prix. At the moment, I have not made that decision yet.”

 

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