Double World Champions Jeroen Dubbeldam and Zenith SFN N.O.P. are definetly back in top shape, and rode two clear rounds to go on to the jump-off - ending 6th. All photos (c) Jenny Abrahamsson.
Daniel Deusser's Cornet d'Amour did what he usually does - he flew! The two ended second after an exiting jump-off.
Kent Farrington and Voyeur once again delivered in Aachen, to end 5th.
The arena in Aachen is really something special!
Andre Thieme gave Contanga a big hug after being clear in the first round. The pair impressed being clear also in the second round.
The photographers went wild when Luciana Diniz hugged Fit For Fun just in front of them.
Roger Yves Bost and Qoud´Coeur de la Loge had eight faults in the first round.
Bosty had his own way of getting Qoud'Coeur de la Loge's attention when they entered the arena.
The double of Liverpools causes a lot of problems every year. The combination itself is tricky, but several of the horses also spook at the lake next to it.
Like many others Henrik von Eckermann had trouble at the double of Liverpools and decided to retire after this fence.
Rolf-Göran Bengtsson's Clarimo Ask jumped great until he spotted the lake by 10 a and b.
Sergio Alvarez Moya and his relatively new ride G and C Quitador Rochelais is a combination to look out for. They produced a super round, but at fence nine Quitador Rochelais spooked as he spotted the lake. The top pole stayed intact, but the red ball fell as they nearly jumped outside the fence.
Then at the Liverpools, Quitador Rochelais thought it was safer to jump the flowers and stay as far away from the water as possible.
Another horse to open the class with impressive jumping was Chico - ridden by Philipp Weishaupt. Then at the open water at number 7 it was over and out as Chico spotted a crocodile or two.
Patrice Deleveau and Carinjo HDC had four faults in the first round and then two poles fell the second time around.
While Simon Delestre and Ryan des Hayettes produced three clear rounds to end third!
As always in Aachen there is not an empty seat when the Grand Prix kicks off.
Then