Sopot, Poland — June 15, 2023 — For the 25th time, the Sopot Hippodrome and the city authorities host the greatest stars of world equestrianism. The readiness to start at the unique hippodrome was reported by, among others, the Swiss Martin Fuchs (SUI), fifth in the Longines world ranking, the German Andre Thieme (SUI) , the current European Champion, and Steve Guerdat (SUI), the gold medalist of the Olympic Games in London. Throughout the equestrian event, there will be a total of 9 competitions at the CSIO 5* level, 4 competitions within the CSI 1* and competitions for the youngest riders – CSIO Sopot Young Stars.
Irishman Michael Pender (IRL) was the clear winner of the competition ending the first day of the Sopot Horse Show CSIO 5*, teaming up with HHS Catwalk (Cit Cat x Clover Echo) for first place in the PLN $ 109,250 Prize of Porsche Centrum Sopot CSIO 5* under patronage of Trójmiasto.pl .
Emanuele Gaudiano (ITA) and Crack Balou (Balou du Reventon x Chacco-Blue) were the closest ones to the eventual winners, finishing second in 67.31 seconds.
A slightly worse time in qualifying for the Longines Grand Prix had a representative of Poland, Adam Grzegorzewski (POL), who together with Stakata (Stanley x Embassy I) came in third place, registering no penalties in 68.09 seconds. For four days, the most prestigious show jumping competition in this part of Europe is attended by 99 competitors from 26 countries riding 223 horses.
Final Results – PLN $ 109,250 Porsche Centrum Sopot Prize CSIO 5* under patronage of Trójmiasto.pl – 1.50m
1) Michael Pender (IRL) & HHS Catwalk — 0 — 65.05
2) Emanuele Gaudiano (ITA) & Crack Balou — 0 — 67.31
3) Adam Grzegorzewski (POL) & Stakata — 0 — 68.09
Source: Press Release (translated & edited) from CSIO Sopot / Sopot Horse Show
Photos: © CSIO Sopot / Sopot Horse Show
Categories: CSIO 5*, English, Jumper News Ireland
