Edited press release from Royal Windsor Horse Show

Saturday's opening CSI5* class at Royal Windsor Horse Show, the CSI5* 1.50m Falcon Stakes, took the top ten riders from the first round into a jump-off against the clock. It was left to third to go, Jos Verlooy (BEL) riding FTS Killossery Konfusion (Siec Livello x Cruising), to set the target with the first double clear in an impressive 39.64 seconds. The Belgian rider pulled off some impressive turns with the 11-year-old grey gelding to put the pressure on those to follow.

David Will (GER) showed that the time could be beaten, however his four faults meant he was only able to finish fifth with Quentucky Jolly (Nirvana V x Ultra Chic). Wilm Vermeir (BEL) gave it his best shot as last to go, however he was not able to catch his Belgian teammate, posting a time of 39.83 seconds with Linguine de La Pomme (Marius Claudius x Tinka's Boy) to finish in second and make it a Belgian one-two. Steve Guerdat (SUI) and Dynamix de Belheme (Snaike de Blondel x Cornet Obolensky) took third, and Lorenzo de Luca (ITA) fourth with Don Vito (Quaprice Bois Margot x Jus de Pomme). 

Speaking after the class Verlooy said: “It is fantastic to win here – it is such an amazing show, probably one of the best in the world. FTS Killossery Konfusion was great today, he is a naturally fast horse and wants to leave the jumps up, so I feel very lucky to ride him. I am very excited for the Rolex Grand Prix tomorrow – I will ride Luciano van het Geinsteinde who was second in the CSI5* Pearl Stakes yesterday, so I am feeling very confident.”