Course designer Frank Rothenberger set a demanding 1.55m speed class for the World Cup qualifier in Leipzig today. In a field of world-class contenders, Jur Vrieling was the only rider to break the 64-second barrier, securing the win aboard his new partner, Grand Slam VDL.
In November last year, it was announced that the 15-year-old BWP stallion, Grand Slam VDL (Cardento, breeder: Frans Kenis), moved to Vrieling’s stables. The relatively new duo sped to victory in this 1.55m main class in 63.72 seconds.
As one of the last to start, Olympic rider Michael Jung came close. Jung piloted the nine-year-old Fischerheros Z (Hotspot) clear to second place in 64.65 seconds. In the saddle of the 13-year-old SF gelding, Doha de Riverland (Nabab de Rêve), Victor Bettendorf completed the top three.
Just off the podium, Eiken Sato ultimately finished fourth. Sato and Chadellano JRA (Chacco-Blue) stayed narrowly ahead of Patrick Stühlmeyer with the 12-year-old gelding, Conterno-Blue PS (Veyron).
