Basel, Switzerland – January 14, 2023 – A jump-off featuring two of best riders in the world for the win in the $75,000 Championat City of Basel CSI 5*-W for the “Golden Drum” took place on Saturday night at the Longines CHI Classics Basel CSI 5*-W. In fact, the current world number one, Henrik von Eckermann (SWE) against a former leader of the Longines FEI Jumping Rider Ranking, Harrie Smolders (NED).

Ten combinations had qualified for the jump-off of the feature class of the day, a 1.55m challenge that saw Henrik von Eckermann prevailing aboard Calizi, a 10-year-old grey Brandenburg mare (Cellestial x Stakkatol) after a penalty-free performance in 38.18 seconds.

Harrie Smolders (NED) and Uricas v/d Kattevennen (Uriko x San Patrignano Cassini) tried their best, falling short due to their final time of 38.97 seconds.

One of the most consistent riders of the event, Gerrit Nieberg (GER) was back on the podium. This time, the 2022 Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen CSI 5* winner, teamed up with Blues d’Aveline CH (Baloussini x Coriall), rounding out the top three with no penalties in 40.15 seconds.

Final Results – CHF $75,000 Championat City of Basel – “Golden Drum” CSI 5*-W

1) Henrik von Eckermann (SWE) & Calizi – 0 / 0 – 38.18

2) Harrie Smolders (NED) & Urivcas vd Kattevennen – 0 / 0 – 38.97

3) Gerrit Nieberg (GER) & Blues d’Aveline CH – 0 / 0 – 40.15

Text: Jumper News, no reproduction without permission.

Photos: © Longines CHI Classics / Stuppia Photography by Katja Stuppia

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