Press release from the Brussels Stephex Masters

Friday could not have concluded in a better way for the hosts at Stephex Stables, as their very own Daniel Deusser (GER) and Killer Queen VDM (Eldorado Vd Zeshoek x For Pleasure) went off with the win in the CSI5* 1.55m Audi Prize after a lightning fast jump-off. 

“To be honest I did not really plan her for this specific class here,” Deusser commented after his round. “I jumped her yesterday and she was still a little bit spooky, but today she felt much better so I thought I could give it a try in the jump-off.”

With thirteen of the world’s best riders moving on to the jump-off after producing clear rounds over Uliano Vezzani’s track, it was bound to be a fast affair as the €93,300 Audi Prize was about to be decided. 

As first to return to the ring, Harrie Smolders (NED) set the time to beat to 43.04 on Don VHP N.O.P. Z (Diamant de Semilly x Voltaire). The four next riders all chased Smolders, giving the win a good shot however their risks were costly and they all paid the price in the form of faults. 

As no. six into the jump-off, Christian Ahlmann (GER) rode one of his trademark rounds – bringing the impressive black stallion Dominator 2000 Z (Diamant de Semilly x Cassini I) over the finish line in 41.36 seconds to take over the lead. While the host nation’s Christophe Vanderhasselt (BEL) and Identity Vitseroel (Air Jordan Z x Darco) gave it their best effort, it was not enough and they slotted in close behind Ahlmann with their time of 41.65 seconds. 

Germany came strong in force for the Audi Prize tonight, with three of their team silver medalists from last week’s European Championships in Rotterdam in the jump-off – Stephex Stables’ own Daniel Deusser being one of them. Whistled on by the crowds, eagerly wanting Deusser to bring the win home to the hosts, the German rider shaved the time down to 39.67 seconds to take over the lead. 

Despite their efforts, none of those to come could catch Deusser – who could drive the few meters home to his stables in a brand-new Audi Q2, leaving Ahlmann to second, Vanderhasselt to third and Smolders to fourth.

“Actually, it was a bit my jump-off,” Deusser explained after his round. “Killer Queen has a really big canter, so I could leave a stride out to the double – which I think was the key. To the last I could do one stride less as well, so it worked out. For today it was enough for the win!”

“It’s nice to win at home, especially as a lot of people expect me to – so when it really happens it’s a nice feeling,” Deusser smiled. 

“Killer Queen has all the scope in the world. She has a huge stride, which perhaps in smaller arenas is not an advantage but in bigger arenas – like here – and with a jump-off suiting her, I can really be quick,” he continued. “In the future, I expect her to win a few big Grand Prix competitions. She’s only nine now, but already won the RWE Prize of North Rhine-Westphalia in Aachen this year. I think she is a perfect horse for these kinds of arenas.”

Earlier in the day, Laura Kraut (USA) took the top honours in the CSI5* 1.45m presented by BHV. Riding Constable II (Harley x Lupicor), the American rider took her second victory of the weekend – when leaving her closest competitor four seconds behind.  Steve Guerdat (SUI) finished in second place with Albführen’s Maddox (Cohiba 1198 x Maraton), while third place went to Christian Ahlmann (GER) on Zampano Z (Zandor Z x Cocktail Jet).