Valkenswaard, The Netherlands – May 08, 2021 – Competition at its finest is the best way to describe the second day of the Spring Event at Tops International Arena. Speed and handiness were the main ingredients of Saturday’s competitions.
The main class, the 4* 1.50/1.55m against the clock, was won by Belgian top rider Jos Verlooy (BEL) with the 12-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare Jacobien Dwerse Hagen (Va-Bite x Querlybet Hero). It was a great victory and the 25-year-old from Grobbendonk was happy with the performance of Jacobien, registering no penalties in 66.06 seconds.
German Marcus Ehning (GER) was second with Calanda (Chambertin x Lord Calando), matching the clear performance of the winners while completing their run in 66.24 seconds.
Young Bryan Balsiger (SUI) finished in third place with Dubai du Bois Pinchet (Kashmir van Schuttershof x Andiamo), being time at 67.76 seconds.
Winner’s Circle – Jos Verlooy (BEL)
“I am very happy, my horse did a great job. I had a plan and it went like I wanted.” He does admit that he was nervous when Marcus Ehning came into the ring. “You always get nervous when Marcus comes into the ring when you are leading. He came close, but today I was better,” he said smiling afterwards. “My horse is naturally very fast and I think I gained time on the vertical towards the double, but I rode a good pace everywhere.”
Final Results – €51,100 Speed Challenge CSI 5*
1) Jos Verlooy (BEL) & Jacobien Dwerse Hagen – 0 / 66.06
2) Marcus Ehning (GER) & Calanda – 0 / 66.24
3) Bryan Balsiger (SUI) & Dubai du Bois Pinchet – 0 / 67.76
Source: Press Release from TIA – Tops International Arena
Photo: © TIA – Tops International Arena
Categories: CSI 4*, English, Jumper News Belgie
