Roger Yves Bost (FRA) and the 11-year-old mare Bluemuch des Baleines (Chacco-Blue x Clinton) were the best in Tuesday's STAWAG opening 1.45m at CHIO Aachen, a Table A against the clock.
A total of 44 horse-and-rider combinations had lined up for the class, and many of the riders used the opportunity to school their horses around the impressive main ring at Soers. As rider no. 26 into the arena, it was Pius Schwizer (SUI) who took the lead with Bakatina de Beaufour (Ogano Sitte x Burggraaf) clocking a quick time in 64.27 seconds. However, his lead was not to last – with only five to go, 56-year-old Bosty shaved off no less than 1.49 seconds on Schwizer's time to snatch the victory.
"I am very happy! My mare jumped really well and it's great how many spectators were here today,” said the winner.
Bosty knows his winning mount Bluemuch des Baleines inside out: "I own her, and she has been with me since she was 5-years-old. She used to be ridden by my son Nicolas, then I took her over. She's very ambitious!”
Third place went to home rider Mario Stevens (GER) and Botakara OLD (Balou du Rouet x Espri), with a time of 64.34 seconds. Pierre Marie Friant (FRA) took fourth with Bianca Star (Quick Star x Qualisco III), while Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA) finished fifth riding Lord Lucio (Legolas x Cero).