Top-level sport was the hallmark of the 1.60m World Cup in Amsterdam. In a clearly Dutch-dominated jump-off, one stellar result followed another. Marc Houtzager thrilled the crowd at the RAI in Amsterdam with a World Cup victory!
Before the break, it almost felt like a "Dutch Championship," with four Dutch combinations as the only ones qualifying for the jump-off. "The crowd in Amsterdam lifts you to unprecedented heights," said Leopold van Asten during the break. "My horse knows when it’s time to perform, really fun! The course was challenging, and you can’t underestimate the arena with the packed stands!"
After the break, Denis Lynch was the first to finish with a clear round aboard AES horse Vistogrand (by Fantaland). The Irishman disrupted the Dutch celebration. "My task was to give Vistogrand space. But looking at the jump-off, I thought, ‘jolly, jolly…’" Max Kühner also delivered a clear round. "With Julius Caesar, we took our time. I’m happy we’re progressing to this level, and everything is falling into place."
The final tally of the first round saw four Dutch combinations, Denis Lynch, and Max Kühner advancing to the jump-off.
Tension Mounts in the Jump-Off
Michael Greeve and Denver (by Diarado, bred by Pamela Peters) were the first to go. The pair rode boldly from obstacle 2 to 3 but ultimately picked up one fault on the third-to-last vertical. Next up was Leopold van Asten with the 12-year-old BWP gelding VDL Groep Nino du Roton (by Iron Man van de Padenborre, bred by Martine Rolin). Van Asten incurred his first fault in the combination, and later knocked down the vertical from Europarcs.
"That’s the sport," Walter Lelie remarked afterward about the first two riders. "The sport can be tough, but it can also be so beautiful when you win in the end!"
Jur Vrieling received thunderous applause. Riding the 12-year-old sBs mare Helwell du Chabus (by Elvis Ter Putte, bred by Legros Françoise), Vrieling remained faultless. On the Europarcs vertical, he motivated his horse skillfully, completing a remarkable round with a bit of luck on his side.
Marc Houtzager then entered the arena with the 17-year-old Sterrehof’s Dante (by Canturano). He managed to beat Vrieling’s time. Four years ago, Houtzager also won in Amsterdam, and he was clearly determined to claim victory again! He shaved just under two seconds off Vrieling’s time, securing at least a podium finish.
Denis Lynch and Vistogrand (by Fantaland) followed. The AES stallion may not be the fastest horse, but the jump-off course suited this pair perfectly. They kept all the rails up but couldn’t match Houtzager’s time.
All hopes rested on the final pair, Max Kühner and EIC Julius Caesar (by Couleur Rubin, bred by Spexgoor Stables). With a jumping fault, the duo ultimately placed fourth behind Vrieling.
Before the break, it almost felt like a "Dutch Championship," with four Dutch combinations as the only ones qualifying for the jump-off. "The crowd in Amsterdam lifts you to unprecedented heights," said Leopold van Asten during the break. "My horse knows when it’s time to perform, really fun! The course was challenging, and you can’t underestimate the arena with the packed stands!"
After the break, Denis Lynch was the first to finish with a clear round aboard AES horse Vistogrand (by Fantaland). The Irishman disrupted the Dutch celebration. "My task was to give Vistogrand space. But looking at the jump-off, I thought, ‘jolly, jolly…’" Max Kühner also delivered a clear round. "With Julius Caesar, we took our time. I’m happy we’re progressing to this level, and everything is falling into place."
The final tally of the first round saw four Dutch combinations, Denis Lynch, and Max Kühner advancing to the jump-off.
Tension Mounts in the Jump-Off
Michael Greeve and Denver (by Diarado, bred by Pamela Peters) were the first to go. The pair rode boldly from obstacle 2 to 3 but ultimately picked up one fault on the third-to-last vertical. Next up was Leopold van Asten with the 12-year-old BWP gelding VDL Groep Nino du Roton (by Iron Man van de Padenborre, bred by Martine Rolin). Van Asten incurred his first fault in the combination, and later knocked down the vertical from Europarcs.
"That’s the sport," Walter Lelie remarked afterward about the first two riders. "The sport can be tough, but it can also be so beautiful when you win in the end!"
Jur Vrieling received thunderous applause. Riding the 12-year-old sBs mare Helwell du Chabus (by Elvis Ter Putte, bred by Legros Françoise), Vrieling remained faultless. On the Europarcs vertical, he motivated his horse skillfully, completing a remarkable round with a bit of luck on his side.
Marc Houtzager then entered the arena with the 17-year-old Sterrehof’s Dante (by Canturano). He managed to beat Vrieling’s time. Four years ago, Houtzager also won in Amsterdam, and he was clearly determined to claim victory again! He shaved just under two seconds off Vrieling’s time, securing at least a podium finish.
Denis Lynch and Vistogrand (by Fantaland) followed. The AES stallion may not be the fastest horse, but the jump-off course suited this pair perfectly. They kept all the rails up but couldn’t match Houtzager’s time.
All hopes rested on the final pair, Max Kühner and EIC Julius Caesar (by Couleur Rubin, bred by Spexgoor Stables). With a jumping fault, the duo ultimately placed fourth behind Vrieling.