Richard Vogel Victorious in the €200,000 Turkish Airlines – Prize of Europe CSIO 5*

By Jumper News on 2024-07-06

Aachen, Germany – July 03, 2024 – Under the dazzling lights of the CHIO Aachen’s iconic main stadium, 45 of the world’s elite horse and rider show jumping combinations entered the arena with the hope of claiming Wednesday’s pinnacle class, the €200,000 Turkish Airlines Prize of Europe CSIO 5*. The competition also provided the first chance for riders to secure their place in Sunday’s iconic Rolex Grand Prix.

As is often the case at the World Equestrian Festival, the field was truly star-studded and included the current Olympic and European individual Champions of Ben Maher and Steve Guerdat as well as the current Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping live contender Willem Greve riding the 12-year-old stallion, Highway T.N. N.O.P., with whom he won the Rolex Grand Prix at The Dutch Masters earlier in the year.

First to jump clear around the challenging Frank Rothenberger-designed course – which consisted of 14 combinations – was Rene Ditter, but it was not meant to be for the German rider as he picked up two antagonising time penalties.

However, fifth to canter into the historic arena, the in-form Christian Kukuk riding Just Be Gentle produced the first clear inside the time much to the delight of the home crowd. Ireland’s Cian O’Connor, quickly followed suit just two horses later to ensure that the passionate crowds at the CHIO Aachen would be treated to a jump-off. Clears came throughout the class with six additional German combinations making it through to the second round including the 2023 victor of the Rolex Grand Prix at the CHI Geneva, Richard Vogel (GER). Last year’s winner of this class, Yuri Masur, looked determined to make it back-to-back wins as he produced a faultless round with QH Alfons Santo Antonio, as did the 2022 winner America’s McLain Ward (USA)

Of the initial 45 riders, 12 proceeded to the jump-off and with numerous fast riders in the class it was set be an exciting jump-off. Riders returned to the arena in reverse order of merit meaning that Belgium’s Thibeau Spits who was first to face the shortened course. The young Belgian rider did not quite have the round he would have wanted as two fences fell. Second into the jump-off Christian Kukuk, set the standard for the remaining riders with a clear in the time of 48.48 seconds, a time that was quickly usurped by his compatriot Patrick Stühlmeyer.

America’s McLain Ward (USA) had the crowd on the edge of their seats as he flew around the course with the 16-year-old mare Callas, and took the lead by over two seconds – a time that looked hard to beat. However, next to go, the three-time Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major winner, Guerdat, soon proved it was possible, but heartbreak came when he had the penultimate fence down.

The German crowds then came alive as Richard Vogel (GER) and Cepano Baloubet flew around the course in 42.44 seconds to sit in provisional first place. None of the three remaining combinations could match the speed and accuracy of Vogel, meaning that he not only claimed his first Turkish Airlines – Prize of Europe CSIO 5*, but his second 5* victory of the day.

Speaking on his victory, the German rider stated: “My horse [Cepano Baloubet] jumped amazingly tonight and he feels in great shape – he was really fighting for me today. The atmosphere was incredible – with the floodlights and all of the spectators, there is no other feeling quite like jumping here. It has been a dream start to the week!”

Final Results – €200,000 Turkish Airlines-Prize of Europe – 1.60m

1) Richard Vogel (GER) & Cepano Baloubet – 0 / 0 – 42.44

2) Mclain Ward (USA) & Callas – 0 / 0 – 44.06

3) Jana Wargers (GER) & Dorette – 0 / 0 – 44.07

full results

course map

Source: Press Release from Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping