The 24th edition of the Rolex IJRC Top Ten Final took place this evening. The ten best riders of the season lined up in a thrilling competition during the CHI Geneva, but it was ultimately Scott Brash who claimed the victory.
FINAL TOP FIVE
- Scott Brash (GBR) - Hello Chadora Lady (Chacco-Blue, breeder: Paul Schockemöhle)
- Kent Farrington (USA) - Toulaune (Toulon, breeder: JAsper Doucé)
- Richard Vogel (GER) - Cloudio (Casall, breeder: H. Arendt)
- Gilles Thomas (BEL) - Qalista DN (Emerald van 't Ruytershof, breeder: Wim De Nul)
- Harrie Smolders (NED) - Monaco (Cassini II, breeder: Ralf Lütje)
The win went to Scott Brash and his mare Hello Chadora Lady (Chacco-Blue). With a magnificent double clear round in 45.63 seconds, the Scotsman magically secured the victory, once again proving his status among the world's best.
Kent Farrington and the Zangersheide mare Toulayna (Toulon) followed with a double clear round, clinching the silver medal. "It was truly down to me, how stupid! The horse jumped for the win, but the rider couldn't keep up," said a clearly disappointed Farrington immediately after his round.
European Champion Richard Vogel couldn't manage a clear first round but looked back proudly on his second performance with Cepano Baloubet. "Unfortunately, we didn't jump clear overall, but I am so proud of Claudio [Cepano Baloubet], he was focused on me the entire time. We have grown so much recently, and this result has proven that once again." He finished in a strong third place in 44.24 seconds in the jump-off.
Young Belgian star Gilles Thomas and Qalista DN (Emerald Van't Ruytershof) narrowly missed the podium, finishing fourth. "It was a difficult course, but Qalista did well, and I am proud to be able to ride here!"
Harrie Smolders was the first to enter the jump-off ring. "I think I was fast, but not fast enough. This course offers opportunities," the Dutchman commented. "Last year, the win in the Rolex Grand Prix here was a real milestone." Smolders started the second round with one jumping fault already incurred in Round 1, partnering with Monaco (Cassini II). He finished in fifth place with a jump-off time of 48.53 seconds.
Ben Maher and Dallas Vegas Batilly (Cap Kennedy) followed. After taking a risky turn, the British rider lost his balance and fell. "I had nothing to lose, but the communication went a bit wrong," Maher explained.
