This past weekend, Lanaken was all about bloodlines and breeding during the prestigious FEI Zangersheide Sires of the World. In the 1.50m class for approved stallions, the audience was treated to a thrilling jump-off where every detail counted. The top five once again highlighted how breeding and sport are inseparably connected.
Victory went convincingly to Marriet Smit-Hoekstra with For Chacco TN. The Westphalian stallion, a son of For Pleasure, showed exactly why this bloodline is so highly valued. Bred by Wilhelm Schwenker and owned by Haras Cooper and Team Nijhof, the duo stopped the clock at 46.13 seconds faultless in the jump-off.
Only hundredths behind followed Patrick Stühlmeyer with Chaloubino PS OLD, an eight-year-old Oldenburg from the stables of Gestüt Lewitz. The Chacoon Blue son also jumped clear and recorded 46.19 seconds—a difference barely visible to the eye.
Bronze went to Christian Ahlmann with Untouched LB, the nine-year-old Westphalian who made his mark with a strong round. Bred by Lena Bieler and Thomas Verhufen, the United Touch S offspring delivered a faultless jump-off in 47.50 seconds.
Behind them, Lucas Wenz guided the Holsteiner United Way (Uriko), bred by the Holsteiner Verband, into fourth place. With a quick first round and a solid clear jump-off, they finished in 49.01 seconds.
The top five was rounded out by Maximilian Lill with Romeo C, an eight-year-old BWP stallion by Casall la Silla. Bred by Cria De Caballos De Deporte SL, the stallion jumped with great overview to a time of 49.16 seconds.
