Madrid, Spain – November 29, 2024 – The first class of the IFEMA Madrid Horse Week CSI 5*-W, the €28,950 ¡Hola! Trophy CSI5*-W, with obstacles at a height of 1.45m, was full of suspense. Maikel van der Vleuten (NED), who entered the arena with El Wikke, set an impressive time of 51.74 seconds, a record that seemed very difficult to beat. However, Britain’s Matthew Sampson (GBR), who came out later, managed to beat him with his horse Fabrice DN, completing the course in 50.43 seconds. In third place was Ireland’s Michael Pender (IRL) with HHS Vancouver.

As for the Spanish riders, the performance of Otti Verdú stood out, who with her young mare Gloria Casa Bellonga was classified in tenth place, this being her first participation in a CSI5* at IFEMA Madrid Horse Week, among a total of 57 riders. In addition, the performances of José Díaz Vecino with Chonick who placed 17th, as well as that of another of the youngest riders of the competition, Sira Martínez, who, like Otti, is also competing in this CSI5* for the first time. With Texas, Sira placed 18th.

The Hola Trophy was presented to the winner by Don Lorenzo Cavanillas Garcia de Carellan, Rider and former president of the Equestrian Forum, accompanied by Doña Elena de Borbon.

Final Results – €28,950 Hola Trophy CSI 5*-W

1) Matthew Sampson (GBR) & Fabrice DN – 0 – 50.43

2) Maikel van der Vleuten (NED) & Elwikke – 0 – 51.74

3) Michael Pender (IRL) & HHS Vancouver – 0 – 52.57

Source: Press Release from Oxersport

Photos: © Oxersport / Manuel Queimadolos / Quality Sport Images

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