Valkenswaard, The Netherlands – May 07, 2021 – Finally top level competitions were underway again in the beautiful surroundings of Tops International Arena. Many riders have not been able to ride at this level for months and especially for the top horses it is very important to get in shape.
The first day ended with the 4* competition 1.50/1.55m, the thrilling highlight of the day. It was a competition against the clock so the riders had to have their plan ready and set the fastest route. It was the Brazilian Eduardo Menezes (BRA) who managed to achieve the fastest round with the 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood (Royal Dutch Sport Horse) stallion H5 Elvaro (Calvaro F.C. x Heartbreaker).
“A great start of the event for us, great! My horse felt good and the soil here is excellent. It’s great to ride on grass again. When I was growing up this arena was like a myth to me. I wanted to ride here. I totally understood when the grass was replaced by sand, but now it’s back to how it should be.”
Menezes liked the course: “When you win you always like a course, but my horse did great. I could have one stride less here and there and my horse went easily through the course. Egyptian Abdel Saïd (EGY) came second with Arpege du Ru (Apache d’Adriers x Quat’sous) and British star Ben Maher (GBR) came third with Ginger-Blue (Plot Blue x Royal Bravour).
Final Results – €25,400 Speed Challenge CSI 4*
1) Eduardo Menezes (BRA) & H5 Elvaro – 0 / 66.60
2) Abdel Saïd (EGY) & Arpege du Ru – 0 / 68.15
3) Ben Maher (GBR) & Ginger-Blue – 0 / 68.55
Source: Press Release from Tops International Arena
Photo: © Tops International Arena
Categories: CSI 4*, English, Jumper News Brasil
