Edited press release from Knokke Hippique

A thrilling CSI3* Grand Prix, presented by Henders and Hazel, was the perfect first highlight of the three-week equestrian event at Knokke Hippique in Belgium. 

As the evening fell over the Zoute Plage arena during the course walk, it immediately became clear that the CSI3* 1.55m Henders and Hazel Grand Prix would be a real challenge. In Thursday’s and Friday’s qualifiers, 43 riders had secured a shot at the Grand Prix win. They really had to come out punching on Saturday evening, as even the greatest Olympic legends did not manage to clear the course and many riders did not make the clock. With just four clear rounds it was proving ultra-demanding.

Brazil’s Bernardo Alves and Mosito van het Hellehof (Elvis Ter Putte x Nabab de Reve), who placed 4th in Friday's qualifier, were first to enter the ring for the big finale. Mosito angling away and clearing fence after fence led the crowds wondering if anyone could improve on what he was delivering during this jump-off. After soaring through the massive Henders and Hazel double, the duo raced to the last vertical: Clear! 

Who would do it better? Maybe Olympic champion Laura Kraut and Calgary Tame (Old Chap Tame x Kashmir Van'T Schuttershof)? Sadly the American challengers had one vertical down quite early in the course and finished with eight penalties in total. Bernardo’s second challenger came from Germany. Kendra Claricia Brinkop and Do It Easy (Vigo Cece x Laeken) looked relaxed and ready walking into the arena. They started of strong but the jump-off course was ruthless: Eight penalties. 

The second American in the finale, Michael Hughes, was last to go with Kashmir Van d’Oude Pastory (Thunder Vd Zuuthoeve x Sun Light van de Zuuthoeve). They are known for being fierce competitors and proved just that again tonight. Impressing on every fence and in every turn they had the audience on the edges of their seats. One vertical to go. Clear! But oh no: 0.02 seconds to slow! After giving Bernardo Alves a real scare, the flying duo finished second in the Henders and Hazel Grand Prix. 

Victory went to Brazil after a great performance by both rider and horse. But after the prize giving, an overjoyed Bernardo Alves wanted to talk mostly about the amazing Mosito. "I have never ridden a horse like Mosito van het Hellehof. We have competed in seven Grand Prix. We qualified six times and won two times. Unbelievable! I am really happy,” said the winner.

Bernardo Alves will be back in the third week of Knokke Hippique where he will compete for the Brazilian team in the long awaited Nations Cup.