Mel Thijssen continued her excellent form today in Warsaw, Poland. Riding the 14-year-old KWPN mare, Florida Balia NL (Bustique), Thijssen claimed victory in the 1.45m CSIO4* class, after compatriot Hessel Hoekstra won the Youngster Finals.
In this Speed and Handiness class, Thijssen kept Angelos Touloupis and Kannandillo (Kannan) behind them. The Greek rider had the fastest time but knocked one rail, adding four seconds to their total time. Philip Rüping completed the top three with the 11-year-old Chatolinue PS (Diablo Blanco), finishing ahead of Gabor Szabo Jr. and H-Secret by Boris (Kannan). Msciwoj Kiecon followed in fifth place, riding the seven-year-old Eyda L (Emerald), to the delight of the home crowd.
Hessel Hoekstra Wins Youngster Final!
Earlier in the day, Hessel Hoekstra and the seven-year-old stallion, Stargos VDL (Stakkato Gold), won the Youngster Final for seven and eight-year-old horses. Hessel Hoekstra narrowly beat Zascha Nygaard Lill and the eight-year-old Chaquicka PS (Chacco-Blue). Natalie Kovarova and Lady Concern du Rezidal (Emerald) completed the top three of this final.