In the 1.55m main event of The Dutch Masters, ten combinations qualified for the rematch. Ultimately, Maikel van der Vleuten jumped to victory in front of his home crowd. "It's counting down to Sunday, but this gives me a nice feeling!"
First clear was Daniel Deusser with his 10-year-old stallion, Otello de Guldenboom (breeder: Hugo Versnick). The duo completed without faults in 44.73 seconds. Shortly after their performance, Steve Guerdat improved the faultless time with his 11-year-old Dynamix de Belheme (bred by Snaike de Blondel).
“My horse [Beauville Z N.O.P.] was incredible today – it was his first show in two and a half months so I am very pleased with this result. He jumped a lot better in the jump-off which meant I could get all of the forward strides which enabled me to beat Steve’s [Guerdat] time. We will see how he feels in the next few days but the plan is to jump him in the Rolex Grand Prix on Sunday.”
The home favourite added: “The world’s best riders in the world are here not only to compete but to win. As a Dutch rider this show is so special to me and the crowds here are amazing. They were a fantastic support for me this evening, so to win in front of them is truly incredible.” said Maikel van der Vleuten after he stopped the clock faultlessly at 42.04 seconds with Beauville Z N.O.P. (bred by Pascal Habets), thus taking the lead! Ultimately, no one managed to surpass this performance.
Steve Guerdat followed in second place, while Marc Houtzager rounded off the top three. In front of the home crowd, Houtzager landed on the third step of the podium with Sterrehof's Dante (Canturano).
The duo was followed by Daniel Deusser who stayed ahead of Lars Kersten and Funky Fred Marienshof (Fantomas de Muze)!