Christian Ahlmann was the best as only five of the 40 competitors in Saturday night's Prize of the AachenMünchener managed to complete the first round in the class without picking up any faults and went through to the jump-off. The home rider and his Belgian stallion Epleaser van’t Heike (For Pleasure x Nabab de Reve), were in top form against the clock and crossed the finish line clear in the time of 44.26 seconds.
Second place went to the British rider, Michael Whitaker with Valentin R (Heartbreaker x Indorado) - who took just three hundredths of a second longer to complete the course. Swedish rider Charlotte Mordasini came third with the French mare, Romane du Theil (For Pleasure x Quidam de Revel). All three were clear in the jump-off.
"Epleaser jumped brilliantly," said Ahlmann delighted. "That was a real Grand Prix, only five clear rounds. And even though the medals aren't being distributed until tomorrow, it was really good winning here tonight."
Ahlmann has been riding the Belgian-bred horse, Epleaser, for just over six months. He was previously under the saddle of the Dutch rider, Frank Schuttert. In fact, the stallion actually won the Prize of AachenMünchener in Aachen with Schuttert last year.
"We won silver with team here, which we are very proud about. And now this victory with this wonderful horse. That gives me real motivation," said Ahlmann who is now looking forward to Sunday's final day at the FEI European Championships Aachen 2015 even more.