Seven combinations qualified for the jump-off of the 1.60m LGCT Grand Prix in London. In the British capital, it was exciting until the last rider started. Christian Kukuk and his 10-year-old KWPN mare, Just Be Gentle (Tyson) were in the lead for a long time but ultimately had to concede the victory to the last pair, Harry Charles with his 11-year-old BWP stallion, Sherlock!
Harry Charles and the 11-year-old son of Bisquet Balou C vd Mispelaere dipped a few tenths of a second below the time of Kukuk and his Tyson mare, Just Be Gentle.
"Sherlock is a horse that I've had in the stables for the longest time. I've been riding him since he was 5 years old. I'm very happy that we took our time with him. He is without a doubt one of the best horses I've ever had. I've said this many times, but I'm glad we gave him the time!" says Harry Charles.
"When I had to enter the ring last, my father simply said... just go for it. Sherlock has a good gallop. I was able to gain time in a few lines. With a short turn at the end, I think I made the difference."
"My mare was there today," adds Christian Kukuk. "He deserves the win... he did everything possible and it worked out!"
Belgium's Pieter Devos completed the top three with the 17-year-old SF mare, Toupie de la Roque (Kannan). In 2022, this combination won the Grand Prix in London. Devos and his SF mare remained more than a second ahead of Kyle Timm and Casino Calvin (Casino Berlin OLD). Belgium's Wilm Vermeir completed the top five. Vermeir ended up in the prizes with his Olympic trump card, Iq van het Steentje (Toulon).