Salzburg, Austria – December 08, 2024 – A total of 38 combinations took part in the final competition of the 2024 Amadeus Horse Indoors CSI 4*, the €105,500 Grand Prix of Salzburg CSI 4*, presented by Sportland Salzburg. Course manager Franz Madl (AUT) and his team had built a challenging but fair course over 1.60 m. Both the Austrian Katharina Rhomberg (AUT) and the Dutchman Kevin Jochems (NED) had been victorious in the two qualifying tests on the previous days.
How it All Unfolded
The latter immediately delivered the first clear round, albeit with Camilla van de Helle, a Holsteiner mare by Crumble. The 18-year-old German Emile Baurand (GER) then sealed the jump-off with the second clear round – an up-and-coming young talent who has already successfully competed in the World Cup.
Styrian Markus Saurugg (AUT) delivered the first penalty-free round under the home flag with Obora’s Crunchy Nut. But Sweden also wanted to have a say: Erika Lickhammer-van Helmond (SWE) literally had her hands full with I. Comme Tessa Vhl before the two of them galloped with a mighty leap over the last jump towards the jump-off. Also there: Norway with Marit Haarr Skollerud Cox.
The audience held their breath for Katharina Rhomberg (AUT), but the Austrian Olympian and winner of Friday’s qualification reliably steered her Cuma 5 towards the jump-off.
A quick start for the Netherlands – Kevin Jochems (NED) and Camilla van de Helle crossed the finish line flawlessly in 49.78 seconds, initially staying ahead of Emile Baurand (GER) with Champ.
But Markus Saurugg (AUT), Austrian national champion 2022, clenched his fist in joy aboard Obora’s Crunchy Nut when the time stopped at 49.13 seconds and he took the lead.
But it went even faster – in front of an enthusiastic audience, Katharina Rhomberg (AUT) flew to victory with the 12-year-old Westphalian who jumped powerfully in 47.62 seconds.
Winner’s Circle – Katharina Rhomberg (AUT)
“It’s just indescribable. Thanks to everyone who kept their fingers crossed for me and thanks to everyone who always supports me. My Cuma simply gave everything for me and jumped really bombastically today,” says the happy winner.
“On behalf of the association, I would like to thank the organizer, the sponsors and everyone who helped to organize this beautiful tournament in Salzburg. I have great respect for the riders. They fought for victory, but not with their horses, but only with calm. It was just really great sport and that’s exactly what we need,” sums up Robert Jauck, President of the Salzburg Equestrian Association.
Final Results – €105,500 Grand Prix of Salzburg CSI 4*
1) Katharina Rhomberg (AUT) & Cuma 5 – 0 / 0 – 47.62
2) Markus Saurugg (AUT) & Obora’s Crunchy Nut – 0 / 0 – 49.13
3) Kevin Jochems (NED) & Camilla van de Helle – 0 / 0 – 49.78
Source: Press Release (translated & edited) from Amadeus Horse Indoors
Photos: © Amadeus Horse Indoors / Hannah-Sophie Hofbauer / OneKlickfoto
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Categories: CSI 4*, English, Jumper News Austria
