The second week of the 2016 Spring MET II in Oliva is well underway, and the young horses yet again gained some valuable experience over the wonderful built courses under the Spanish sun. Thursday rounded off the youngster tours for this week, and it was Germany’s Andreas Knippling that took a well-deserved win in the 7-year-old class riding the very competitive Papa Roach (Perigueux x Zeus). “When you are competing Papa Roach ten times, eight times you will get a ribbon,” Andreas Knippling smiled as he spoke about his talented horse.
 
The 7-year-old horses had to jump a 1.40m course today with an immediate jump-off. Eighteen combinations jumped a clear, and as Knippling finished his round he straight away had the feeling he had won the class: “When I finished, I thought in worst case scenario I would get a third place. I really had the feeling I would win the class, because my horse is so fast and everything worked out today.”
 
During 2016 Spring MET I, Papa Roach and Knippling earned a second place – but today they finally took their victory. “I have had Papa Roach since May 2015, so for almost a year now. He is by Perigueux and he looks a lot like his father. He has a lot of blood, is very careful and he brings you results,” Andreas commented.
 
As to the tour in Oliva, Knippling can confirm he is a returning competitor. “I really like it here in Oliva. I have been here from the first edition and of all the tours I have done, I like Oliva the most. Everything is so well organized and you live around the show arena. It is simply great out here!”
 
Last week’s winner Clem McMahon was again successful aboard his Pacino-offspring; riding Pacifico he ended as runner-up in the 7-year-old class. France’s Valentine Belooussoff took the third spot with Verdi de Laume, that like many other youngsters that have been in the ribbons during the 2016 Spring MET I and II is sired by Diamant de Semilly.
 
In the 6-year-old class, Ireland’s Clem McMahon continued his winning streak from week 1. This time around the victory came on the chestnut Kalimero, that is by the famous Andiamo. France’s Harold Boisset put down some spectacular performances, taking both second, third and fourth position place riding Katinka vh Valenberghof (by Corland), Katinka van de Meyhoeve (by Kashmir van Schuttershof) and Kitty S (by Diarado). Boisset has been in top form during the 2016 Spring MET II with his youngsters, and shows no sign of stopping his ribbon collecting anytime soon.
 
The Irish already started of well in the 5-year-old class. Ivan Dalton won the competition aboard Barynia Jo (by Kashmir van Schuttershof), while Shane O’Reilly became runner-up on Birdy du Thot (by Magic d’Elle). Switzerland’s Anthony Bourquard and Casper vd Rode Poelhoeve (by Casall) finished third, while Shane O’Reilly and Roger McCrea made sure also the fourth and fifth positions fell into Irish hands.
 
The last week of young horse competitions during the 2016 Spring MET II will take place next week, with the finals being staged on Thursday 25. 

Source: Press release from 2016 Spring MET // Picture © Hervé Bonnaud / www.1clicphoto.com.