Only four combinations qualified for the jump-off in this CSI3* Grand Prix. All four pairs delivered clear rounds. Earlier this week, Verlooy had already won the Grand Prix qualifier with FTS Killossery Konfusion. He put the icing on the cake by keeping the competition behind him in the Grand Prix as well.

"The weather here is much better," Verlooy explained his decision to compete in this event. "But mainly, I had heard a lot of positive things about this competition. I’ve competed in Wellington for several years, but with the horses I have now, it seemed better to enter in Thermal..."

"I saw Conor's round and knew where I could take out a few strides. But in the end, you usually just have to stick to your own plan!"

With a finishing time of 37.94 seconds, the Belgian rider, aboard his Irish-bred Livello son, narrowly beat Conor Swail and Theo 160 (Christian). Swail dominated the final rankings, also taking third place with My Lady Lavista (Mylord Carthago), pushing Ali Ramsay and Conrado 12 (Cardento) off the podium.

The fastest four-fault round in the main course belonged to Megan McDermott and the BWP horse Nintendo (Thunder van de Zuuthoeve).

 

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