Nine horse-and-rider combinations qualified for the jump-off in Saturday’s 1.55m Championat of Basel. Course designers Gérard Lachat and Gregory Bodo presented a well-balanced track where Germany set the pace, ultimately led by Josch Löhden and EIC Schabernack (Cornet Obolensky, breeder: Frank Plock) in the top spot.
In the jump-off, Löhden steered the 10-year-old gelding to victory with a blistering time of 33.16 seconds. He was closely followed by compatriot Hans-Dieter Dreher, who secured second place aboard the 17-year-old gelding Vestmalle des Cotis (Baloubet du Rouet, breeders: M. Rudy Cock & Mme. Christine Cock-Leva) in 33.31 seconds.
Josh Löhden was visibly delighted after his victory: ‘When you make it to the jump-off, you naturally want to give it your all. I had an incredibly good horse, which helps enormously.’ Looking ahead to Basel, he added: ‘Basel was indescribable for me. This great finish makes it all the more wonderful – I’m looking forward to being back here again next year.’
Third place went to Austria’s Katharina Rhomberg and the 11-year-old gelding Colestus Cambridge (Colestus). Aboard the grey bred by Udo Grochowski, Rhomberg managed to stay just ahead of Willem Greve.
The Dutch rider finished just off the podium in fourth place with the nine-year-old Selle Français stallion Party de Hus (Kannan). The result comes on the same day it was announced that Greve’s top stallion, Highway TN, would be leaving his stable to join American rider Lillie Keenan. Rounding out the top five was Swiss rider Adrian Schmid, who claimed the final spot in the honors for the host nation riding the 13-year-old Chicharito 11 (Casalito).
