In Helsinki, the highlight of the weekend was just ridden: the CSI5* World Cup Grand Prix. The course, designed by Guilherme Jorge and Johanna Mikkola, was marked by high vertical jumps and wide oxers, all set in Helsinki's compact arena. The riders knew what was required of them: keep up the pace and stay focused every second. Swedish rider Amanda Landeblad succeeded right away as the first starter, securing a place in the jump-off with a faultless round aboard For Killy (by Otangelo). When Alberto Zorzi and Cortez van't Klein Asdonk Z (by Cornet Obolesky) also completed the course without faults, a jump-off was guaranteed. After them, eleven other pairs would follow. A jump-off with thirteen competitors would ultimately decide the winner.
Amanda Landeblad had indicated beforehand that she would not go for a conservative jump-off this time but would ride forward aggressively. She achieved that goal, but unfortunately, her time of 38.89 seconds didn’t hold for long. Steve Guerdat, who went two rounds later, rode Is-Minka (by Mylord Carthago HN) faultlessly and faster than Landeblad. With 37.56 seconds, he took the lead from the Swedish rider.
Ultimately, it was Robert Whitaker who crossed the finish line the fastest. Riding Vermento (by Argento), he left all competition behind by jumping a faultless round in 36.84 seconds. Kevin Staut, with Dialou Blue PS (by Diarado's Boy), tried everything to beat Whitaker's time but did not succeed. He and his 11-year-old mare had to settle for second place after a faultless round in 37.11 seconds. Steve Guerdat and Is-Minka (by Mylord Carthago) completed the top three, maintaining zero faults and finishing in 37.56 seconds.
Yuri Mansur and his 17-year-old partner QH Alfons Santo Antonio (by Aromats) secured fourth place by riding a faultless round in 37.63 seconds. His compatriot Marlon Modolo Zanotelli, with Grand Slam VDL (by Cardento), rounded out the top five.
Amanda Landeblad had indicated beforehand that she would not go for a conservative jump-off this time but would ride forward aggressively. She achieved that goal, but unfortunately, her time of 38.89 seconds didn’t hold for long. Steve Guerdat, who went two rounds later, rode Is-Minka (by Mylord Carthago HN) faultlessly and faster than Landeblad. With 37.56 seconds, he took the lead from the Swedish rider.
Ultimately, it was Robert Whitaker who crossed the finish line the fastest. Riding Vermento (by Argento), he left all competition behind by jumping a faultless round in 36.84 seconds. Kevin Staut, with Dialou Blue PS (by Diarado's Boy), tried everything to beat Whitaker's time but did not succeed. He and his 11-year-old mare had to settle for second place after a faultless round in 37.11 seconds. Steve Guerdat and Is-Minka (by Mylord Carthago) completed the top three, maintaining zero faults and finishing in 37.56 seconds.
Yuri Mansur and his 17-year-old partner QH Alfons Santo Antonio (by Aromats) secured fourth place by riding a faultless round in 37.63 seconds. His compatriot Marlon Modolo Zanotelli, with Grand Slam VDL (by Cardento), rounded out the top five.