Ludger Beerbaum repeted his win from Valkenswaard with Chaman. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Ludger Beerbaum had a great day in Münster today celebrating both his birthday and his win in the CSI 4*Grand Prix together with the fantastic stallion Chaman (Baloubet du Rouet x I Love You).

The first round caused problems for several of the riders and even though the faults were spread evenly around the course, the b-element in the triple combination and the triple bar as number eleven, were the trickiest ones. Only four riders managed to clear the course, but since 25% of the 45 riders went to the second round we could follow 12 riders in the jump-off.

Christian Ahlmann and Codex One jumping the triple bar that caused so much problems in the first round. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.The second round consisted of nine fences including a combination. The course was tricky with a lot of turns. The riders with four faults entered the arena first. Marco Kutscher and Cash (Carthago x Lavall II) were the first to go. Cash looked a bit tired and got twelve faults. Hans-Torben Rüder with Orlanda (Julio Mariner xx x Caretino) had to settle with eight faults, while Pius Schwizer with Powerplay (Casall x Limbus) was the first one to clear the course.

Philipp Weishaupt and Leoville (Landor x Wettruf) had a great flow in their jump-off, but the second last fence fell to the ground. Next out was Daniel Deusser who had some luck in the combination, but otherwise he had a great round on the promising stallion Cornet D'Amour (Cornet Obolensky x Damiani).

Marcus Ehning had a fantastic start with Copin van de Broy (Darco x Brownboy), but one pole fell for him as well. Janika Sprunger looked like she wanted to win her second class of the day, but Graciella (Graf Top x Watzmann) was not fast enough today.

Third place went to Pius Schwizer with Powerplay. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Christian Ahlmann was going for gold.  Riding Codex One (Contendro x Glueckspilz) he went for one less stride between the second and third fence, then made a sharp turn to the combination and he flew over the last oxer taking over the lead.

Then it was time for the four clear riders from the first round. Rolf-Göran Bengtsson with Carusso LS La Silla (Montebello La Silla x Joost) was first to go but the b-element in the combination fell. Lucy Davis went for it and did a really sharp turn to the second last fence with her Nemo (Cambridge x Cantus), but it was not fast enough to threaten the ones in the top.

David Will slowed down his round aboard Colorit (Coriano x Capitol) after having two fences down. Tthen it was time for the last combination - Ludger Beerbaum and Chaman. Chaman was in a top form and took over the lead from Christian and Codex One . The perfect way to celebrate! Congratulations to Ludger and happy birthday!

Click here to see the total result list.