It was a truly 'close call,' but Pieter Devos eventually claimed the Grand Prix victory. Riding the KWPN-bred mare, Jarina J (by Cicero Z van Paemel), the Belgian clocked a clear round in 40.04 seconds.

Devos dipped just under half a second faster than Robert Whitaker and his brother's home-bred Vermento (by Argento). Christian Ahlmann completed the top three of this Grand Prix. Ahlmann rounded out the podium with the Haras de Hus-bred mare, Blueberry (by Conrad).

Just outside the podium was Victor Bettendorf, riding Doha de Riverland (by Nabab de Rêve), who finished well ahead of Oda Charlotte Lyngvaer and the 11-year-old mare, Carabella vd Neyen Z (by Carrera VDL).

I simply have to ride well

"My mare felt really solid in the first round today," Devos recounted afterwards. "In the jump-off, I know I simply have to ride well, and that usually puts me in a good position. Jarina is naturally fast. I had watched a few combinations, and I rode hard, but in a calculated way!"

"I am truly happy with how my mare jumped today. It was a difficult jump-off with quite a few rollbacks, but it worked out well!" the Belgian continued. "Tomorrow, I will start Primo DV in the World Cup. It's a shame that I have draw number one. Last year, I rode Primo DV's first World Cup here in A Coruña, and I was also the first to start then. Hopefully, that brings me luck again!"

 

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