Wiesbaden, Germany – May 18, 2024 – When he was still a little boy, Michael Whitaker (GBR) was already successful and an idol, said Daniel Deußer (GER). At the international four-star jumping competition, the €28,200 Lotto-Hessen Prize CSI 4*, on Saturday at the Longines PfingstTurnier Tournament in Wiesbaden, the 64-year-old British idol secured victory ahead of the 42-year-old native of Wiesbaden.
In 67.90 seconds, Whitaker and the twelve-year-old Equine America Q Paravatti N whizzed through the 1.50 meter course run by course manager Peter Schumacher (GER), uncatchable. Deußer followed ten-year-old Ellabelle de Rie Z in 68.36 seconds.
Nicola Pohl (GER) from Dagobertshausen in Hesse was pretty close on the men’s heels and came third with Arlo de Blondel in 68.56 seconds.
“I was here for the first time 40 years ago,” the winner let his thoughts wander into the past. Exactly 40 years ago, Michael Whitaker also took part in his first of five Olympic Games, 1984 in Los Angeles.
“Wiesbaden is a nice traditional tournament, I like it a lot. And my horse also felt very good here.” Whitaker admitted that the ground wasn’t perfect due to all the rain, a bit muddy, but not slippery. “My horse handled it well.”
Deußer had originally planned the Lotto-Hessen prize with Tobago Z, but then switched to Elvis Ter Putte’s ten-year-old daughter. “I had a feeling that she was the better choice today.” That was confirmed with second place. At the beginning of the year he took over Ellabelle from Kendra Clarica Brinkop, who, like him, also rides for Stephex Stables in Belgium. “Wiesbaden was only my third tournament with her. She has a good character, you can use her anywhere. Anything you ask, she does great at her level.”
A total of 42 combinations from 17 nations took part in the €28,200 Lotto-Hessen Prize CSI 4*, eleven of which remained faultless. Ralf Hollenbach, who is acting as sporting director of the jumping competitions at the Whitsun tournament for the first time, was very satisfied: “We definitely have very good starting fields, also internationally colorful – that’s really fun.”
Final Results – €28,200 Lotto-Hessen Prize CSI 4*
1) Michael Whitaker (GBR) & Equine America Q Pavaratti N – 0 – 67.90
2) Daniel Deußer (GER) & Ellabelle de Rie Z – 0 / 0 – 68.36
3) Nicola Pohl (GER) & Arlo de Blondel – 0 / 0 – 68.56
Source: Press Release from Longines PfingstTurnier Wiesbaden
Photo: © TomsPic
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Categories: CSI 4*, English, Jumper News Great Britain
