On Friday, CSI3* Aachen International Jumping kicked off and it was a good day for the host nation as Philipp Weishaupt went off with the win in the biggest class – the 1.45m counting for the world ranking. 

“Being back in Aachen is really nice,” Weishaupt commented. “We know that when we come here, the organisation – everything for the horses and riders – will be perfect. A big difference, compared to normal, is that we jump in the Deutsche Bank Stadium where the dressage takes place during CHIO Aachen. I must say though, it has a really good shape and size – also for showjumping.”

Twelve pairs qualified for the jump-off after delivering clear rounds over the thirteen-fence 1.45m track. The shortened jump-off track opened for a lot of galloping and some tight turns, starting on one long-side of the Deutsche Bank Stadium and finishing on the other. 

The first double clear came from Germany’s own Sven Schlüsselburg on Bud Spencer 7 (breeding unknown), with a steady round in 45.79 seconds. Richard Vogel, also representing Germany, was next to go and delivered a very fast round on Floyo VDL (Baltic VDL x Contender) – really tightening the turn to penultimate vertical to stop the clocks on 39.58 seconds. 

Austria’s Max Kühner and EIC Coriolis Des Isles (Zandor x Tlaloc M) then slotted into second after a quick round in 39.84, but was quickly pushed down by German maestro Marcus Ehning on Calanda 42 (Calido I x Chasseur I) that came very close to Vogel after a beautiful round in 39.73 seconds. 

As next to go, Philipp Weishaupt showed everyone how it should be done when managing to shave the time down to an incredible 37.67 seconds aboard the 10-year-old speed machine Coby 8 (Contagio x Escudo I). Going all in from the beginning, Weishaupt left little doubt that he was in it for the win and with some breath-taking turns he went into the lead. 

Despite giving it their best shot, America’s Laura Kraut and Confu (Contact Me x Cambridge) could not match Weishaupt’s time and slotted into second with a time of 39.57. However, as last to go, Canada’s Eric Lamaze rode a lightning fast round on Chacco Kid (Chacco-Blue x Come On) to cross the timers in 39.39 seconds – going into runner-up position and pushing Kraut down to third, followed by Vogel in fourth and Ehning in fifth – making it a great day for the hosts.

"The flair of Aachen touched us all today," Weishaupt said after his win. "Even though there were only 300 people allowed in the audience, it felt good in my heart to hear their applause and to have an atmosphere. I have missed this, it really made my day." 

"This was not Coby's biggest win, but it felt like a big one after the quiet times we have had," he continued about his horse. "It is nothing new that he is a quick horse. I am really happy that he jumped so well today."