Eleven combinations qualified on Saturday for the 1.55m Rikstoto CSI5* Grand Prix. Jules van Hoydonck (BEL) put the cherry on top with his first CSI5* victory. In Oslo, the Belgian rider kept the competition behind him with the 13-year-old BWP mare Minte vd Bisschop (breeder: Tom De Craene). "Before it was every day always on stage, but never the win. Fantastic I managed to win the Grand Prix as cherry on top..."
Jules van Hoydonck and the 13-year-old daughter of Plot Blue jumped to victory in the 1.55m Grand Prix in 35.40 seconds. "Minte was already feeling exceptional earlier this week, she is in a fit shape," van Hoydonck says after his win. "With her I always thought it would be a story of just not ... then we win, just fantastic this feeling!"
“The course was well built, and the jump-off suited my mare perfectly. I give all the credit to the course designer. My mare is really fit, and that gives me great confidence for the rest of the winter season. We bought her when she was five, actually for my sister,” says the Grand Prix winner. “Together with my sister, she turned out to be a bit too careful — that’s when I took her over. I really want to keep her in the family…”
And about the rest of the season? “We’re now working towards Mechelen!”
The duo finished just under a second faster than Joseph Stockdale and the 11-year-old Ebanking (by Etoulon, breeder: E. Vriend).
Team Philippaerts’ rider, Jenny Krogsaeter, completed the podium with Laurier (by VDL Zirocco Blue), bred by Ann Keisse.
Also jumping clear but just missing the podium, Jens Fredricson placed fourth with Diarado’s Rose Elith (by Diarado), ahead of Eiken Sato and the 14-year-old Campai 3 (by Chacco-Blue).
