Tonight, the Sires of The World takes center stage in Opglabbeek. In the 1.50m CSI4* qualification, the Dutch national anthem, Wilhelmus, played after Amanda Slagter’s victory. "I want to compete in more four-star events, so to start like this is amazing! I'm really happy!" the rider said after her win. With her triumph, she prevented Frederic Vernaet from celebrating a home victory.
“Yesterday I was unlucky, but that allowed me to ride the way I wanted today. My horse was sharp minded today and everything just fitted right!" Slagter continues. "He feels comfortable and ready for the bigger classes. We've just been a pair for 1,5 years now... so we have a bright future ahead!"
Amanda Slagter secured her win with the stallion Cornet Blue PS (Chacco-Blue x Cornet's Stern), bred by Paul Schockemöhle. Meanwhile, Belgian rider Frederic Vernaet had to settle for second place in front of his home crowd. Riding Okina van de Bien (Toulon x Blue Boy v Berkenbroeck), he finished just behind Slagter. The podium was completed by Jules van Hoydonck, who took third place with Cortocina (Cornet's Balou x Cartogran).
Just outside the podium, German Zangersheide rider Christian Ahlmann finished fourth. Ahlmann claimed a prize-winning spot with the BWP stallion Querido VG (Dominator 2000 Z x Chellano). Fifth place went to Przemyslaw Konopacki, riding No Limit 67 (Numero Uno x Contendro I).