17-year-old Sanne Thijssen wrote history on Saturday, when she became the youngest winner ever of the Eindhoven Derby. The daughter of international Grand Prix rider Leon Thijssen rode the experienced 15-year-old mare Ulena (Baloubet Du Rouet x Indoctro) to victory in this prestigious class, and came out as the winner with only four faults over the very tricky 21-fence-course. 

Sanne Thijssen was 23rd to go in the ring, and it was one of the easiest jumps - a wide triple bar - that stood in the way of a clear round. "My own fault," said the winner. "Ulena what was right and I tried to get her closer to the fence. She ended up jumping too high, and not far enough." The tricky elements on the other hand went without any trouble. "Ulena knows the game, from when my father rode her. She is 15-years-old already and almost a granny, but condition she has. She is really like a machine and would probably still jump around once more if asked!"

Runner-up Remco Been and third placed Maikel van der Vleuten completed an all-Dutch podium. Been finished on nine penalties with the 10-year-old gelding Bleu Des Vatys (Mr. Blue x Kayack), as did Van der Vleuten aboard VDL Groep Quatro (Quaprice Boimargot Quincy x Caletto I) although on a slightly slower time. 

Text © World of Showjumping (Translated from press release from CSI Eindhoven) // Picture © Wendy Scholten