Dutch rule flying Youngster Classes in Valkenswaard

The sky was blue and the sun was shining when the young horses entered the arena this Tuesday morning. Eric van der Vleuten Jr took revenge in the class for five-year-olds (1.30m against the clock). Yesterday he finished runner-up behind Ramzy Al Duhami from Saudi Arabia, but today he was after a better result.  And he succeeded, he clocked the fastest time with his mare Helga Utopia (KWPN, Zirocco Blue VDL x Haarlem). Eric Jr was very satisfied: “I saw Helga Utopia last year at a local show in Asten and she stood out immediately. She looked very keen. In March I competed at the Sunshine Tour in Spain and she did very well. After that she had some rest and I only took her to a few small rural show to prepare for Valkenswaard.”
Runners-up were Australia’s James Paterson  Robinson and Heiniken, who finished third yesterday, followed by Sweden’s Sofia Westborg  with the Zangersheide mare Concordia Z.

The same situation occured in the class for six-year-olds, Sjaak Sleiderink, who finished runner-up yesterday, won the class with Glamour. The rider from Denekamp rides the mare for about nine months now and is confident about her future. “She has a real good and competitive character. I have had a break but I am back and will try to reach the top, maybe with Glamour. It looks like she has the talent and power to compete at top level.”  Sjaak rides for BWG Stables owned by Ben, Wim and Gerco Schröder.
Yesterday’s winner, Emma Augier de Moussac  of the Czech Republic with Gradetty, had to settle for second place. Holland’s Rob Heiligers finished third with the mare Go Go.

Belgium’s Jos Verlooy repeated yesterday’s victory in the seven-year-old section with Karibou Horta. “I ride Karibou Horta for six months and he is doing great. He is super competitive and he loves to go fast. He certainly is a promise for the future.” Runners-up were the USA’s Michael Hughes and F (KWPN, Baltic VDL x Chin Chin) and third place went to Argentina’s Fidel Segovia with the stallion Jack.

Full results