Leopold van Asten, the winner of the Rolex Grand Prix:

“The course had everything in it. It was technical, big and it took a while before we got a clear round. It was good for the audience that the clear came from a Dutch rider. I made myself a plan, but I changed it: After walking the course, I was thinking about doing seven strides after the plank – but as it looked easy in six, I changed my mind. My horse jumped fantastic, I felt it already in the first round – we were in good shape. My round in the jump-off went well from the beginning, and I gave it chance to the last fence. I risked it and my horse jumped great! 

I hope the World Cup Final will be a climax for the season – even if today was a great thing. I have been a bit unlucky with my horse at the beginning of the season, having one down here and there – but I have tried to stay quiet because the feeling has been there. Now the last months it has been going right, first in Bordeaux when we were second and in Gothenburg third – it’s going the right way now.”

Runner-up Wout-Jan van der Schans:

“I have a quick horse, so I tried to do a fast round. I knew there was a little bit of risk left that I didn't take to the last fence, that is why Leopold could catch my time in the end. My horse jumped great today and I am really happy – my horse gave everything and I am really proud of him.”

Third placed Marc Houtzager:

“I was really happy about my first round, my horse jumped perfect but I felt that he got a bit aggressive in the jump-off so I took a bit of time over the Rolex oxer because the turn after was pretty difficult. I made one stride more there, and I also saw a very long distance to the last fence – but my horse is only 10-years-old and he already won one class here on Friday so I am really happy.”

Text © World of Showjumping by Nanna Nieminen // Picture © Jenny Abrahamsson