Press release from Jumping Indoor Maastricht

On Friday, Henk van de Pol won the first qualifier for Sunday's Longines Trophy at Jumping Indoor Maastricht and on Saturday he repeated his success when winning the second qualifier – the 1.50m Van Mossel Prize – as well. 

Looyman Z (Numero Uno x Wellington) again proved that he is a very fast horse when beating all of his 12 opponents in the jump-off. “I thought it was a rather difficult course, but it was a perfect exercise for my horse. I know he is a real good horse and he showed it this evening,” said a proud Van der Pol afterwards. “I was relaxed when I entered the arena, I was thinking about tomorrow’s Grand Prix, but he felt so good I thought ‘ok, let’s go for the jump-off’.” It has been four years since Van de Pol last competed at JIM. “I really like the show, but I just did not have to right horse for this level. I am glad to be back,” he said.  

Van de Pol stayed realistic about his chances in the Longines Trophy: “A mistake can be made in an instant but Looyman is in very fit and I have to make sure I ride as well as I can. Looyman always wants to stay clear, I have no doubts about him.” 

France’s Edward Levy finished as runner-up with Uno de Cerisy (Open Up Semilly x Siego), 0.53 seconds behind the winner. Home rider Maikel van der Vleuten took third place with Verdi TN (Quidam de Revel x Landgraf I) followed by his father Eric in fourth with Djoost Again (Cantos x Joost).