Watching the talented youngsters in Aachen is always interesting. The 7- and 8- year-olds have three classes to jump: Two qualifiers and one final. This year Gregory Wathelet and Sandero (Sandro Boy x Cassini I) had a fantastic week, being clear all the way and finishing as the best youngster of the show. Owner and breeder Judith Goelkel must have been the most successful owner of the show, also being the owner of Rolex Grand Prix winner Coree. All photos (c) Jenny Abrahamsson.
Sergio Alvarez Moya and G&C Wolf (Hardley VDL x Corland) in the first youngster class. G&C Wolf was the only 7-year-old to win.
Philipp Weishaupt and Call Me Eva (Chacco-Blue x Stakkato) ended up as winners in the second qualifier.
The final was won by Lorenzo de Luca with the amazing 8-year-old Jeunesse van´t Paradijs (Emerald van´T Ruytershof x Heartbreaker).
Andreas Kreuzer and Figor (Zagreb x C-Indoctro) speeding through the finish line to end 5th in the final. The pair was also 4th in the second qualifier.
Beezie Madden and the Irish bred HHS Hercules finished 3rd in the first youngster class.
Bertram Allen and Calafrieda (Canto 16 x Lavall 5) flew around the course and took the 4th place in the final.
Olivier Philippaerts and D Cancarra A.C. (Contefino x Kashmir van Schuttershof) were 4th on the first day and were in the jump-off the final day. But after one pole fell they had to settle for the 10th place.
Christian Ahlmann and the 7-year-old Cornwell 9 (Cornado I x Grossadmiral) in action.
Eric Lamaze and Jewel 8 (Kannan x Indoctro) ended 6th the first day, 3rd the second and 8th in the final.
Henrik von Eckermann rode the 7-year-old Louie 9 (Ludwigs As x Catoki).
Kevin Staut with the 8-year-old gelding Vendome d´Anchat HDC (Diamant de Semilly x Allegreto).
Marco Kutscher and the 8-year-old Charco by Chin Quin ended 5th the first day....
... while Mario Stevens and Landano 17 (Lord Pezi x C-Indoctro) ended 5th the second day.
A happy team Michaels-Beerbaum after taking the 2nd place in the final with Calle 67 (Carell x Capitalist).
Scott Brash and Hello Senator (Carambole x Indoctro) jumped to a 3rd place in the final in front of an almost full arena.
Then