"The atmosphere in this class is simply amazing, with the lights, all the spectators... Everyone feels that this is the first proper class, the first qualification for the Grand Prix, so everyone is a bit extra focused," Germany's Richard Vogel said after taking the top honours in Wednesday evening's CSIO5* 1.60m Turkish Airlines-Prize of Europe at CHIO Aachen 2024 with the 10-year-old Cepano Baloubet (Chaman x Stakkato’s Highlight).
And with these images, we take a look at some of the highlights in the first qualifier for Sunday's Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen!
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"Walking into the ring tonight, looking around, Aachen never gets old," McLain Ward said after another exciting night at the Soers in Aachen.
Christian Kukuk and Just Be Gentle delivered the first clear round as the fifth pair out.
Christian Kukuk and Just Be Gentle with Isabella Håkansson and Sofie Karlsson.
Preparing for Paris: Ireland's Cian O'Connor and Maurice finished fourth after a double clear round.
Team-work Karlswood-style.
A show of form: Katrin Eckermann and Iron Dames Cala Mandia NRW were one of the seven Germans that delivered strong perfromances on Wednesday night with clear rounds.
It's easy to smile afterwards...
Kendra Claricia Brinkop impressed once again, finishing fifth with In Time after two beautiful clear rounds.
Hopes were high of yet another home win at Soers and the host’s own did certainly not disappoint – Germany's Patrick Stühlmeyer and Drako de Maugre delivered a double clear to finish 6th.
Happiest of them all?
Double clear and third in the Turkish Airlines-Prize of Europe: Germany's Jana Wargers and Dorette are having a great 2024-season.
The King of Style: Marco Kutscher and Karajan were kept away from the jump-off by a single time penalty.
USA's Katie Dinan and Atika des Hauts Vents were also kept out of the jump-off by a single time penalty.
Maximum unlucky: Scott Brash and Hello Valentino had the back rail on the last oxer down, picking up four penalties.
Brazil's Yuri Mansur and QH Alfons Santo Antonio were one of the twelve pairs that returned to battle it out in the jump-off. This time, last year's winner Mansur had to settle for 10th after a rail down in the jump-off.
It is a family affair for the Spits.
Thibeau Spits and the 9-year-old Clear Heart delivered a clear in round one and joined the exciting jump-off.
On form on home soil: Mario Stevens and Starissa FRH were one of the seven Germans that cleared their way into the jump-off. They finished 9th with four faults in the jump-off.
Full focus from Christian Kukuk on Just Be Gentle.
"I think amongst the riders, we often say that this is the second hardest class of the show to be frank," McLain Ward said after finishing second.
Steve Guerdat and Albführen's Iashin Sitte joined the jump-off, where they were the first pair to show that McLain Ward's leading time was beatable. A fault on the penultimate vertical left the pair 8th in the end.
"I didn't get everything as perfect as I wanted to, and Cepano helped me out," Richard Vogel said afterwards abou his winning jump-off.
Team Ward: Lee McKeever and Virginie Casterman.
With the Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen in her sights, Jana Wargers was happy with the third place finish.
Fast both on and off the horse...
It certainly was another evening to remember at the Soers!
Then