What a battle against the clock in St. Gallen! The 1.50m Speed & Handiness class, counting for the Longines Ranking Group B, saw some of the sport’s biggest names go head-to-head. In the end, it was Aaron Vale and Gray’s Inn who stole the spotlight, producing the fastest fault-free performance to secure a prestigious international victory.
Aaron Vale added another major international result to his record with a brilliant victory aboard Gray’s Inn (Cannavaro) in the 1.50m Speed & Handiness competition. The American rider and his 12-year-old Czech Warmblood gelding delivered an impressive round in 88.91 seconds, a performance that proved untouchable despite fierce competition from a world-class field.
Brazil’s Pedro Veniss came closest to challenging the winning combination. Riding Gershwin Dromelle (Diamant de Semilly), Veniss also kept a clean sheet and stopped the clock in 89.89 seconds, finishing less than a second behind Vale to claim runner-up honours.
Third place went to Great Britain’s Harry Charles with Bandit (Obos Quality). The pair produced another faultless effort and crossed the finish line in 90.52 seconds, securing a podium finish in a class where every fraction of a second mattered.
Just outside the top three, Olympic champion Ben Maher looked set to challenge for victory aboard Ginger-Blue (Plot Blue) after recording a quick time of 86.71 seconds. However, four penalties added to his score left him fourth on a total of 90.71. France’s Kevin Staut completed the top five in the saddle of Croqsel de Blaignac (Ugano Sitte), delivering a clear round in 90.96 seconds.
