Saturday's CSI5* 1.55m Audi Prize at The Dutch Masters turned out to be a real nailbiter from beginning to end. In the first round, the difficult course caused problems for several riders – still eleven horse-and-rider combinations made it to the jump-off.
The best of the best in the class was the young team of Jack Whitaker – congrats!
All photos © Jenny Abrahamsson for World of Showjumping.
Kent Farrington and Creedance had to settle for the runner-up position after being 0.33 seconds slower than the winning pair.
Hello Vincent played around the two courses, looking like he had the time of his life – to end third with Scott Brash.
Luciana Diniz and Conchento Ps had a misunderstanding in the jump-off. After jumping the Rolex oxer, Luciana wanted to turn inside the blue oxer to continue to the next fence while Conchento Ps thought it was better to jump the blue oxer in front of him (see photo below).
Kevin Staut and Visconti Du Telman got a pole down in the jump-off and had to settle for seventh place.
Jos Verlooy and Fabregas ended 10th after getting eight faults.
Scenletha took the time to buck through the finish line after securing the win.
Full speed and short turns didn't help Philipp Weishaupt and Goldeneye as they had a pole down at the end of the jump-off course.
Marlon Modolo Zanotelli's Grand Slam VDL did a splendid 1.55m debut when delivering a double clear to finish fourth.
Steve Guerdat and the bouncy Uranie de Belcour ended sixth in the class.
Willem Greve and Grandorado TN tested some new moves around the course.
The only 8-year-old Constantin 110 delivered two very steady rounds to finish fifth with his rider Christian Kukuk.
Jack Whitaker – son of Michael Whitaker – was invited to The Dutch Masters through the Young Riders Academy and really took his chance to prove he was worthy of the spot.
Then