Brabanthallen, ‘s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands – March 15, 2019 – The first qualifier for the Rolex Grand Prix kicked off in style with Dutch rider Leopold van Asten (NED) and VDL Groep Beauty clinching a home win in the €62,000 VDL Groep Prize, much to the delight of his on-looking sponsor.

The Dutchman and the 13-year-old grey mare (For Pleasure x Contender) galloped towards victory backed by a penalty-free jump-off performance in 27.82 seconds.

Last year’s Rolex Grand Prix winner, Niels Bruynseels (BEL), set the bar high aboard Gancia de Muze (Malito de Reve x Nimmerdor) with a clear run and a time of 28.18 seconds during the tiebreaker, finishing second.

Danielle Goldstein (ISR) and Lizziemary (Cabri d´Elle x Acord II) completed the podium with no penalties and a final time of 28.80 seconds.

Winner’s Circle

What were your thoughts heading into the jump-off?

I saw Niels ride before me, he was very fast and had a very good round, so I knew that I really had to go for it. I knew that Beauty is naturally a fast horse, so I tried to get a smooth round and it went well. I didn’t have to pull anywhere, I didn’t have to wait anywhere and luckily in the end it was enough.

Are you riding VDL Groep Beauty on Sunday?

No, I am not riding her on Sunday for the Rolex Grand Prix. I made a plan to jump her today and tomorrow, and will jump Miss Untouchable on Sunday.

The audience are very close to the action at The Dutch Masters, do you notice that when in the ring?

I think the audience is always close to the action, it doesn’t change anything for me. It didn’t ride any different this year. The atmosphere was very good for a Friday evening, the audience were cheering lots, seemed very happy and were really loud which is nice to hear. I think it’s going to be an exciting two days ahead.

How does it feel to win, not only in front of your home crowd, but also your sponsor?

It is always nice, he can only come to five or so shows a year, so you want to be good when he is here but that is easier said than done! It is nice that on an evening like this everything came together and we have a win.

How will you celebrate this evening?

I will walk to the box to meet my owner and I think we are going to have a drink, and then tomorrow is a new day!

What were your thoughts heading into the jump-off?

I saw Niels ride before me, he was very fast and had a very good round, so I knew that I really had to go for it. I knew that Beauty is naturally a fast horse, so I tried to get a smooth round and it went well. I didn’t have to pull anywhere, I didn’t have to wait anywhere and luckily in the end it was enough.

Are you riding VDL Groep Beauty on Sunday?

No, I am not riding her on Sunday for the Rolex Grand Prix. I made a plan to jump her today and tomorrow, and will jump Miss Untouchable on Sunday.

The audience are very close to the action at The Dutch Masters, do you notice that when in the ring?

I think the audience is always close to the action, it doesn’t change anything for me. It didn’t ride any different this year. The atmosphere was very good for a Friday evening, the audience were cheering lots, seemed very happy and were really loud which is nice to hear. I think it’s going to be an exciting two days ahead.

How does it feel to win, not only in front of your home crowd, but also your sponsor?

It is always nice, he can only come to five or so shows a year, so you want to be good when he is here but that is easier said than done! It is nice that on an evening like this everything came together and we have a win.

How will you celebrate this evening?

I will walk to the box to meet my owner and I think we are going to have a drink, and then tomorrow is a new day!

For full results, please click here.

Source: Press release from Rolex Grand Slam of Showjumping

Photo: © Rolex / Ashley Neuhof