Edited press release from Longines PfingstTurnier

Great Britain’s Michael Whitaker and Equine America Q Paravatti N (Quality Time TN x Indoctro) won Saturday's CSI4* 1.50m Lotto-Hessen Prize at the Longines PfingstTurnier in Wiesbaden, Germany.

The 64-year-old British legend secured the victory ahead of 42-year-old Daniel Deusser – hometown hero – in this class counting for the Longines Ranking Group C which had 42 horse-and-rider combinations in it, eleven of which jumped clears. 

In 67.90 seconds, Whitaker and the 12-year-old Equine America Q Paravatti N blazed through the 1.50 meter course set by Peter Schumacher – proving to be uncatchable. Deusser followed aboard the 10-year-old Ellabelle de Rie Z (Elvis ter Putte x Tornedo FCS) in 68.36 seconds to take second, while his compatriot Nicola Pohl came pretty close in third with Arlo de Blondel (Tlaloc M x Kassidi ) in 68.56 seconds.

“I was here for the first time 40 years ago,” the winner told. "Wiesbaden is a nice traditional show, I like it a lot. And my horse also felt very good here."

The ground wasn't perfect because of all the rain, admitted Whitaker, but said; "My horse coped well with it.”

Deusser had originally planned the Lotto-Hessen prize with Tobago Z, but then decided to switch to Ellabelle de Rie Z. “I had a feeling that she was the better choice today,” Deusser said. That was confirmed with second place. At the beginning of the year, he took over Ellabelle from Kendra Clarica Brinkop, who, like him, also rides for Stephex Stables in Belgium. “Wiesbaden was only my third show with her. She has a good character; you can use her anywhere. Anything you ask, she does great at her level.”