The first of a total of five Longines World Ranking Jumping competitions was the highlight of the day, Friday (01/02/2019), from 4pm at the  International Show Jumping Programme CSI 5* at the Glock Horse Performance Center (GHPC) in Austria. With prize money totalling €62,000 euros and a maximum height of 1.50 m, this 5-star jumping competition presented the first great challenge of this weekend.

Forty-five of the best show jumping riders in the world came to the starting line in the Glock’s Perfection Tour CSI 5*. Twelve duos executed immaculate basic rounds to qualify for the subsequent jump-off. The shortened jump-off course extended over 320 m, including eight jumps, and had to be completed in a maximum of 55 seconds, if possible with no penalties, in order to avoid collecting time penalties and to have a shot at the generous winner’s prize of 15,500 euros.

Number six in the world, Daniel Deusser (GER), the first to start in the jump-off in the saddle on Calisto Blue, laid down a superb time of 38.18, ultimately enough for second place. Olympic silver medallist, World and European Champion Jur Vrieling (NED), riding VDL Glasgow vd Merelsnest N.O.P., showed that it was indeed possible to go a bit faster, and took a convincing victory in 38.16 seconds. “There are really good riders here. Glasgow has just had two months off and of course I hope we might just win another competition or two this weekend”, said a beaming Jur Vrieling at the official awards ceremony.

In third place was Wilm Vermeir from Belgium who, with Iq van het Steentje, completed a second clear round in 39.73 seconds.

The best Austrian in this Longines Ranking competition, who recently took sixth place in the 2018 World Equestrian Games in Tryon, was Max Kühner (T). As number one of the Top of Austria, he had saddled up 14-year-old Cornet Kalua, son of Cornet Obolensky, and achieved an outstanding fourth place (0/40.73).

1 – Jur Vrieling (NED) & VDL Glasgow vd Merelsnest N.O.P. – 0/0 -38.16

2 – Daniel Deusser (GER) & Calisto Blue – 0/0 -38.18

3. Wilm Vermeir (BEL) & Iq van het Steentje – 0/0 – 39.73

4. Max Kühner (AUT) & Cornet Kalua – 0/0 – 40.73

5. Gerco Schröder (NED) & Glock’s Cognac Champblanc – 0/0 – 45.88

6. Julien Epaillard (FRA) & Usual Suspect d’Auge –  0/4 – 37.94

7. John Whitaker (GBR) & JB’s Hot Stuff – 0/4 – 38.59

8. Guy Williams (GBR) & Cicero II – 0/4 – 40.51

9. Olivier Philippaerts (BEL) & Icos – 0/8 – 42.22

10. Willem Greve (NED) & Zypria S – 0/8 – 44.41

11. Marc Houtzager (NED) & Sterrehof’s Calimero – 0/25 – 71.83

12. Emanuele Gaudiano (ITA) & Caspar 232 –  0 / retired