Text © World of Showjumping

Janika Sprunger (SUI) and the 9-year-old mare Aganix Rose of Light (Aganix du Seigneur x Light On) won Sunday’s CSI5* 1.50m in Abu Dhabi (UAE).

With a time of 33.48 in the winning round, Sprunger and Aganix Rose of Light took the win ahead of Abdel Saïd (BEL) and Arpege du Ru (Apache d’Adriers x Quat’Sous) in second in 33.90.

“It was an unexpected win, because Rose came here to do her first 1.50m classes,” Janika Sprunger told World of Showjumping. “In the winning round, I thought I would try a little bit, because she is naturally fast. However, I would never push her over her limit, because she has not practised so many jump-offs yet. It was enough to win today, which was surprising. I am super proud of her. I have invested a lot of time in her; she has been with me for two and a half years already. I’ve always believed in her and now it is finally time for her to shine and step up – I am curious to see how far she can go. I am thankful for Tina Pol for believing in us and letting us do our thing.”

Maximilian Lill (GER) and Casallco’s George PS (Casallco x Chacco-Blue) placed third when the clock stopped on 34.89, followed by Shk. Ali Jmal Nasr Al Nuami (UAE) on Kylian S (Opium x Berlin) in fourth in 39.73. Henrik von Eckermann (SWE) aboard Calizi (Cellestial x Stakkatol) finished fifth, carrying four penalties with the quickest time of the winning round, 33.06.