Emanuele Gaudiano and Crack Balou top Sires of the World

Emanuele Gaudiano and Crack Balou top Sires of the World

Stallions on top on day two of Jumping Mechelen! Cherry on the cake in this Sires of the World was for Emanuele Gaudiano. This time he did not have the striking Chalou between his legs but it was Crack Balou (by Balou du Reventon) who put it all out there for the Italian rider. 

Kevin Jochems was the first of the ten finalists to start the jump-off. In the saddle of Casillas van de Helle (by Casall), he immediately set the tone for his fellow finalists. The white stallion pulled his knees high and delivered a clear round. Second on the scene appeared Christian Ahlmann. With Clintrexo Z (by Clintissimo Z) he also stayed clear but could not outride Jochems' time. Gilles Thomas followed on Feromas van Beek Z (by Fantomas de Muze) to uphold Belgian honors but had a pole down on the first jump of the combination.

Emanuele Gaudiano had the crowd gasping during his fast jump-off with Crack Balou (by Balou du Reventon), crushing the leading time by almost two seconds. As fifth, Harrie Smolders entered into the arena. The Dutchman took the necessary risks and had the audience sympathized during his round but Uricas vd Kattevennen (by Uriko) was just not fast enough to take the lead and came in second place.

Koen Vereecke was the second Belgian to put his luck to the test. Kasanova de La Pomme (by Bamako de Muze) touched the wood early in the course and thus ended up with four penalty points behind his name just like patriot Thomas. Wilm Vermeir was also unlucky. Enola Gay of Two Notes Z (by Emerald van 't Ruytershof) had two jumping faults, including the first of the combination.

Kevin Jochems showed up a second time, this time in the saddle of Gijs (by Kashmir van Schuttershof). Like Jochems, Ahlmann also had a second horse waiting for the jump-off. Solid Gold Z (by Stakkato Gold) made a mistake on his second fence and could not deliver victory to the German rider.

As last rider at the start all eyes were on Gilles Thomas with Ermitage Kalone (by Catoki). The duo rode a careful round and ended clear. Not bad for their first time competing in a 5* Class! 

Full results