It was not only a victory but also a coveted golden ticket to the LGCT Super Grand Prix for Ludger Beerbaum and the striking grey mare Mila in the first Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of the year. Under the lights in the stunning Longines Arena at Al Shaqab, H.E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani presented the trophies in front of a full house and standing ovation.
Beerbaum beat one of the most famous horse and rider combinations at the moment, Henrik von Eckermann and King Edward, by over half a second with his clever jump-off. Jur Vrieling picked up third place on the podium with his consistent grey Long John Silver in the most electric competition of 2022.
A very emotional Beerbaum explained: "I have had a few wins in my career but this one is probably one of the most emotional ones and also not really expected one. I cannot tell you how much I enjoy this moment. That was definitely our best jump-off ever. I am so happy, I still can’t really believe what happened. It is because of a lot of reasons that this is extra special. Of course it’s about the horse, it’s about our performance but honestly, I did not expect to be here on the podium. Long story short believe me when I woke up this morning I did not expect to win this Grand Prix and I am very very very happy."
In the press conference, Henrik von Eckermann said: "When you sit on a horse like this you just have to focus on your riding and do the best in the round and normally it’s a clear round with him. So it’s an unbelievable feeling to sit on a horse like this. When I went into the jump-off I thought ok don’t overdo it, stay a little bit easy and that’s what happens when you don’t take the risk - you don’t win."
Jur Vrieling praised his horse: "I am really happy because the horse is not the most experienced. He was unbelievable today. It has all come together, with the passing away of the wife from our sponsor, everything has come a little bit together and it makes me a bit emotional and really proud."
LGCT and GCL Founder and President Jan Tops said: "I have known Ludger for many many decades. It is amazing to see at his age how he still has the finesse to win against the best in the world. He always was and he proves again that he can still do it. It is an amazing achievement, especially with the horse not having so much experience at this kind of track."
Omar Al Mannai, Event Director, spoke of the spectacular sport saying: "Everyone has experienced top sport this evening, we have seen a fantastic start to the season. It has proved the Longines Global Champions Tour Championship race will be tough for all riders this year."
Source: LGCT Press release
Photo by LGCT