Spectators stood up for the Hungarian anthem in Thursday's CSIO5* 1.50m Regale’s Prize in Budapest, as Gabor Szabo Jr. and the Hungarian mare Timpex Bölcsész (Timpex Cabale x Hargita) went to the top. No better start to the Longines FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping of Hungary CSIO5* Budapest could be expected for the host country when the day closed off with a victory for one of the home heroes.
45 riders entered the competition with a total of EUR 25000 in prize money, facing a considerably difficult course designed for the world elite in Regale Arena.
Bred and owned by Istvan Tarbaly, Timpex Bölcsész and Gabor Szabo Jr. did not let their fans down finishing almost one second faster than Vladimir Tuganov (RUS) on Suspens Floreval (Clinton x Don Juan). Mr. Barna Paar, owner of Regale Airvent Systems, and Mr. Vilmos Lazar, president of the Hungarian Equestrian Association, presented the Herend Porcelain vase to the winner.
The third place went to Hungarian rider Szabolcs Krucso and Chacco Blue II (Chacco-Blue x Cincaba Rouge) with a slight 6 hundredth of a second slower riding.
In the two phases class set at 1.45m, the Portuguese dominance was obvious. Mr. Gabor Ronai, owner of Royal Diamonds Jewellery, presented the winner Antonio Matos Almeida and his mare Irene van de Kwachthoeve (Griseldi x Tresor d'Opaline) at the prize giving ceremony.
Kristaps Neretenieks (LAT) took the second place with Cornet’s Spirit (Cornet Obolensky x Con Air), while Fabio Brotto (ITA) and Vaniglia Delle Roane (Kashmir van Schuttershof x Cantus) finished third.
Press release from Longines FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping of Hungary CSIO5* Budapest
Picture © Hajdu Krisztina