Last year’s winners of the prestigeous Hamburg Derby – Billy Twomey (IRL) and Diaghilev (Vangelis S x Handstreich) – showed great form ahead of this year's edition, winning the first qualifier. 

Eighteen riders produced clears against the clock, but with his 75,67 seconds Twomey was the fastest one. Johnny Pals (NED) was slightly slower with his 75,89 seconds, riding Urjul van Generhese (Indian Gold van Castershoeve x Elanville). Third place went to Mario Stevens (GER) with El Bandiata B (El Bundy x Picard), fourth place to Sanne Thijssen (NED) with Bulavsco (Verdi x Corland) and fifth place to Janne-Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann (GER) with Chloé (Chippendale Z x Quicksilver).

“I never know what kind of mood he is in, and sometimes he can be a bit too motivated," said Billy about Diaghilev after their victory. "It was a good to start with a win today, but it is all about Sunday."

The second qualification takes place on Friday, while the derby is jumped on Sunday.