After two tremendous rounds delivered by Henk van de Pol and Willink (Twister x Landsieger), another Dutch sucess was secured today as the pair went to the top of the CSIO5* Grand Prix in Gijon. Van de Pol was up for a serious challenge though, as a total of sixteen riders went on to the second round after producing clears over the first track that was set for this Grand Prix that concluded a long week of competition at the Spanish event. 

Van de Pol took an early lead on the 12 year old gelding, that has showed very good form over the summer months. Jumping the penultimate line, an oxer to a vertical, the Dutch rider dared what few others did not and took out a stride to do six before he did seven forwards on the final line to clear the last oxer. The clock showed 49.32, but with many more riders to come the question was - would someone catch up?

They all tried, and some made the time - but had to see a pole fall to the ground as the speed took it's toll. Ireland's Cameron Hanley and Antello Z (Animo II Z x Continue) made a good bid though, and finished on 49.82 to slot into second after doing one stride more on the line were Henk did six. Home hero Sergio Alvarez Moya on G And C Quitador Rochelais (Jarnac x Unau du Fonteny) also delivered taking third place after a fast round that was a second behind that produced by van de Pol. 

Fourth place went to Belgium's Catherine van Roosbroeck, who continues to impress with her good ridning while fifth was Spain's Manuel Fernandez Saro who had the final double clear of the day.