At the FEI Zangersheide Sires of the World in Lanaken, approved stallions once again had the chance to measure themselves against one another in a challenging two-phase class at 1.40m. The audience enjoyed top-level sport, where speed and faultlessness made the difference.
Victory went convincingly to Alexa Stais with the stallion Meganus PS (Messenger). The pair produced a flawless round and set the fastest time of 28.71 seconds in the second phase. The 9-year-old stallion by Messenger x Carthago Z, bred at Gestüt Lewitz, showed not only scope but also exceptional suppleness.
In second place was Britain’s Nicole Pavitt with Rhodos van de Kiekenboer. The son of Emerald x Oklund, bred by A. Van Bijsterveld, stopped the clock at 29.44 seconds and confirmed his potential both as a sport horse and as a sire with his fast and powerful performance.
The podium was completed by Denmark’s Frederik Fensholt aboard Take A Chance on Me Z. This experienced stallion by Taloubet Z x Aldatus Z, bred at Studfarm Zangersheide, jumped a controlled, faultless round in 29.83 seconds.
Fourth place went to Thalessa de Jong with Karan-K van’t Kattenheye Z (Kannan x Nissan Caretano Z), a stallion who showcased his scope and experience in the ring. Finishing in 30.00 seconds, he stayed close to the podium and once again demonstrated the consistent quality for which Kannan offspring are renowned.
The top five was rounded out for the Netherlands by Marriet Smit-Hoekstra with For Chacco TN, a son of For Pleasure. The stallion delivered a convincing clear and finished in 30.08 seconds.
