The CSI5* Longines Welcome Stakes over 1.50m in Hong Kong brought top-level sport with a competitive jump-off deciding the final ranking. Against a strong international field, it was Germany’s Hans-Dieter Dreher who came out on top with a fast and precise performance in the second round.
Hans-Dieter Dreher secured victory in the saddle of Cous Cous 3 (Cachas) after delivering two clear rounds and setting the winning jump-off time of 35.78 seconds, adding to a faultless first round in 63.14 seconds.
Great Britain’s John Whitaker followed closely with Equine America Unick du Francport (Zandor), also double clear, finishing the jump-off in 35.94 seconds. Third place went to France’s Roger Yves Bost, who guided Ballerine du Vilpion (Baloubet du Rouet) through a clear jump-off in 37.20 seconds.
Brazilian rider Yuri Mansur finished fourth aboard Mister Jup (Carrera VDL) with a clear jump-off round in 37.32 seconds. Norway’s Geir Gulliksen completed the top five on the back of Oh La La van Overis (Otangelo), producing another double clear effort and a jump-off time of 39.01 seconds.
