Sunshine Tour: Jochems unbeatable in CSI4* Grand Prix

Sunshine Tour: Jochems unbeatable in CSI4* Grand Prix

As usual, the Sunshine Tour also concluded an international weekend with the Grand Prix. There had been jumping at CSI4* level all week. Many top riders travelled to Vejer de la Frontera this week and nerves were high for this 1m55 Grand Prix. Of course that did not change when nine combinations managed to register a clear round in the first round. A jump-off with nine therefore had to be decisive.

Of those nine combinations, Kevin Jochems turned out to be the fastest. In the saddle of La Costa (by Gitano v Berkenbroeck), a 12-year-old BWP mare, he drew present to complete a lightning-fast round. The duo did not come close to the wood and clocked off in 40.91 seconds. Michael G Duffy made a very creditable attempt to still improve Jochems' time but his time of 41.29 seconds fell just short as a result. However, it was enough to secure second place for him and Clitschko 17 (by Christian). Third place went to Scott Brash; the top British rider counted on Hello Valentino (by Diamantino) to jump a clear round in 41.42 seconds. 

Only the top three were able to jump a clear jump-off. The fastest time came from Harry Allen. He rode Calculatus (by Cachassini) like an arrow through the jump-off course but that also earned them four penalty points. However, as the fastest four points, they still took home fourth place. Gilles Thomas was last to go. With Elfra van Beek Z (by El Salvador) he was clearly determined to beat Jochems' time. He succeeded (39.92 seconds) but this combination also got a jumping fault behind their name. However, their performance was good for fifth place. 


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