Nearly one-third of the participants qualified for the jump-off. The shortened course was built very selectively, resulting in only five double-clear rounds. Ultimately, Vogel managed to keep two Belgians at bay.

The winner of Geneva, Kent Farrington, and the Belgian mare Toulayna (by Toulon, breeder: Jasper Doucé) were unable to repeat their success after two jumping faults in the jump-off. German rider Richard Vogel, who had already secured a 1.50m win just before the start, set an incredibly fast time with his European Championship horse, United Touch S (by Untouched). Vogel and the 14-year-old stallion crossed the finish line clear in 39.42 seconds.

Starting as the penultimate rider, Belgium’s Thibeau Spits came impressively close to Vogel’s time. Spits and the 11-year-old Impress-K van 't Kattenheye (by Indoktro-K van 't Kattenheye) took second place, relegating Pieter Devos and his home-bred Casual DV (by Cornet Obolensky) to third.

Just off the Grand Prix podium was Henrik von Eckermann with Qasirah van de Reistenhoek (by Emerald van 't Ruytershof), bred by Yasin Ramont. Also jumping clear was Martin Fuchs in the saddle of L&L Lorde (by Clyde LVB Z).

Podium Reactions

“Winning a Rolex Major is incredibly special,” Vogel reacted afterwards. “It is one of the most important competitions of the year and the atmosphere here at The Dutch Masters is always amazing. United Touch S is an incredible horse. He has such an enormous stride and so much scope; that makes my job a lot easier.”

“I was inspired by Richard’s round,” Spits laughs. “Impress has an enormous stride and felt fantastic today. I am really incredibly happy and proud.”

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