At the CHIO Rotterdam, it was only the first day for the show jumping riders but immediately a qualification for the Grand Prix was on the program. The obstacles were set at 1.55m height, the riders were eager for a banging start. German Hans-Dieter Dreher won the face-off with the clock in this class directly against it.
As many as 23 of the 50 combinations that appeared in the arena rode a clear round. The biggest challenges in this course were the double jump 8 and the oxer 11 that was placed in front of the VIP grandstand. With a daring ride, Dreher and his gelding Vestmalle des Cotis stayed ahead of the rest of the field with a blazing fast time of 61.92 seconds.
German combinations dominated this class. Just under a second difference kept compatriot Kendra Claricia Brinkop at two. She was in the saddle of Ma Belle, an 11-year-old daughter of Ugano Sitte. It was a successful day for the German rider. In the CSIO5* Dura Vermeer Prize in two phases she already finished third with Nector vd Bisschop. Kevin Staut (FRA) completed the podium on Cornet's Velvet RS (by Cornet Obolensky).
For Harry Allen (IRL) and Calculatus (v. Cachassini) there was fourth place. The Irishman had an early start and immediately set a fast time of 64.43 seconds. For a long time it seemed like no one would match their time, until Dreher appeared in the arena. They stayed ahead of Julien Gonin (FRA) who jumped to five in the saddle of Caprice de Guinfard (v. Mylord Carthago).
Recent winner of the LGCT in Cannes, Maikel van der Vleuten saddled Luigi d'Eclipse (by Catoki) for this class in front of his home crowd. The 12-year-old stallion by Catoki could not be caught at a fault, their time eventually yielded sixth place for this combination. This made them the best Dutch pair.
Source: adjusted Press Release
