Edited and translated press release from Al Shira'aa German Show Jumping & Dressage Derby 2025

"I don't compete at such big shows like here in Hamburg that often," Kristaps Neretnieks (LAT) said after his win in Saturday's CSI5* 1.50m presented by Range Rover at the 2025 Al Shira'aa German Show Jumping & Dressage Derby. "Maybe that's why I'm a little hungrier for success," the two-time Olympian added. 

And he has probably satisfied that hunger somewhat at the 2025 Al Shira'aa German Show Jumping & Dressage Derby: On Wednesday, Neretnieks won the five-star tour's opening competition with his Tokyo Olympic partner Valour (Verdi TN x Calido I). On Friday, he finished second with Corlansky-Pro (Corlani x Cadensky) in the five-star 1.50m, and on Saturday the 35-year-old secured another victory in the Al Shira'aa five-star tour with Corlansky-Pro. 

"I like the big arena in Hamburg; it's fantastic. And my horse feels very comfortable here. It suits him; I can take advantage of his big canter and leave strides out. That saves time," Neretnieks said after being almost three seconds faster than runner-up Felix Hassmann (GER) – who is known for his speed – aboard C'est la Vie (Comme Il Faut x Cristallo). Sanne Thijssen (NED) and Cum Laude (Cooper van de Heffinck x Corofino) completed the podium, just 0.07 seconds behind Hassmann.