Press release from Oxer Sport

Friday was a local holiday celebrating Andalucia and the showground at Montenmedio was full of curious visitors keen to see for themselves the world class riders competing at the most important jumping Tour in Europe. An especially electric atmosphere surrounded the Big Tour class, which was sponsored by the official German television station for the Sunshine Tour, Clip My Horse. The channel broadcasts every class live from Montenmedio throughout the six weeks of competition. 

Victory was claimed by Swedish rider Marcus Westergren riding Astree de Burgo (Kannan x Socrate de Chivre). “It was a marvelous feeling to win, the mare jumped really well and I feel delighted with her efforts today, she is only just 9 years old, but she is a great competitor. However, she also has quite a character!" Westergren said. 

The 1.50m course was designed by Javier Trénor and only nine horse-and-rider combinations went through to the jump off. Spanish rider Carolina Aresu with Untrepide de Puychety (Mr Blue x Hand In Glove) finished second with a great round, 0.20 seconds behind Westergren. “It was an extremely technical track and very demanding, I had to have everything calculated, especially as I was first to go. My horse was incredible and jumped very fast and clear. I just hope he isn’t too tired for the Grand Prix on Sunday!"Aresu said.

Pedro Junqueira completed the podium with Prince Royal Z MFS (Prince de Revel x Ramiro), after being a bit more than a second behind the winning time. Two British riders finished fourth and fifth; William Funnell and Max Routledge.