Press release from Rolex Series Equestrian, edited by World of Showjumping

The sporting action got underway under glorious sunshine at Falsterbo, Sweden, with Thursday's opening CSIO5* 1.50m qualifier for the Rolex Grand Prix presented by Agria. Jumped over 1.50m, the class attracted 60 horse-and-rider combinations, all aiming to secure their place in Sunday's feature event.

After a highly competitive class, Germany's André Thieme claimed victory with DSP Chakaria (Chap 47 x Askari 173). Stopping the clock in 61.72 seconds, their faultless round proved enough to take the win ahead of Ireland's Jordan Coyle and King Kannan GP (Kannan x Warrant), who finished second in 62.11 seconds. France's Kevin Staut and Hermès de Vesquerie (Vigo d’Arsouilles x Marquis de La Lande) completed the podium with another clear round in 62.88 seconds.

The first rider to enter the arena, Sweden's Viktor Melin, set the tone by producing the first clear round of the day aboard Turmina (Turmalin 1202 xMaraton), much to the delight of the home crowd. Germany's Sophie Hinners, riding Iron Dames Combella (Cornet du Lys x Indoctro), quickly followed with another faultless performance, before Norway's Geir Gulliksen and Island V G (VDL Zirocco Blue x Indoctro) completed the first trio of clear rounds.

The home supporters had further reason to celebrate as Swedish riders Jonna Ekberg on Bjurfors Chacco (Cornet Obolensky x Cantoblanco) and Amanda Eriksson aboard Havanna Heart (Heartbeat x Dutch Capitol) also jumped clear.

In total, 26 pairs mastered the course to produce clear rounds, underlining the exceptional standard of this opening qualifier.

With two further qualifying competitions still to come, the battle for a place in the Rolex Grand Prix presented by Agria is now well underway. Every rail and every fraction of a second will count as riders continue their quest to secure a place in Sunday's highlight at the Falsterbo Horse Show.