Budapest, Hungary – August 20, 2020 – The Gróf Széchenyi István Memorial, held for the 32nd time this year, kicks off today at the National Riding Hall. Despite the special pandemic circumstances the number of entries exceeded last year’s due to an increased interest in the Budapest event also by international riders. Thanks to this the strongest field of the recent years will compete in the four-day challenge. Thus, it is an even greater joy for the organizers that on the first day Hungarian riders took the victory in three out of four competitions.

More than 110 rider-and-horse pairs competed in the 5000 Euro competition against the clock for the Prize of the Hungarian Equestrian Federation. The foreign riders had a great start, encountered no problems with either the height of the fences or the course, their horses jumping supremely, proving their routine. Generally, Hungarian riders have much less opportunity to try themselves at this height, but with the introduction of the GP series, they are taking part in an increasing number of 1.50m competitions, and this was reflected in today’s performances. Not only did Hungarian riders not hang out of line, they even dominated the head of the field.

Gábor Szabó Jr. (HUN) was a permanent once again, as he rode Lord Classic 2 (Lord Z x Coronado) to victory with a lead of more than two seconds

Only Portuguese rider Rodrigo Giesteira Almeida (POR) threatned him, finishing second aboard Edgar (Warrant x Purioso) after a penalty-free performance in 64.56 seconds.

Gábor Szabó Jr. (HUN) also claimed third-place honors, this time aboard his other horse Chabal (Chacco-Blue x Balou du Rouet), rounding out the top three with a time of 64.73 seconds.

For full results, please click here.

Source: News release by CSIO Budapest / Nemzetilovarda

Photo: © CSIO Budapest / Krisztina Hadju