Friday's biggest class in Aachen was the 1.55m Prize of North Rhein-Westphalia, that also served as the second qualifier for Sunday's Rolex Grand Prix. The competition was ridden over two rounds; only the best 25 percent according to penalties and time from the first round returned for the second round – meaning that even though18 out of 53 riders produced a clear only the fastest 13 would join the second round.

The battle against the clock saw the best of the world chase each other for the win. In the end it was world number one Kent Farrington (USA) on the 16-year-old gelding Uceko (Celano x Koriander) that took home the first prize of 25,000 Euro with a time of 46,65 seconds in round two. "The strength of my horse is that he has a huge stride, so he is really fast on the field and you can attack the course at full speed to every fence," Farrington commented after the class. "He is special, he loves big grass arenas: He has won a lot in his career. I have had him since he was a 6-years-old and I am very proud that he is still winning in Aachen at 16," Kent continued, praising his horse.

Christian Ahlmann (GER) on the 17-year-old stallion Taloubet Z (Galoubet A x Polydor) took a very popular second place with a time of 47,14. After not having the best of beginnings to his week in Aachen, Ahlmann was very happy with the result. "I was really looking forward to this week, so the way it all started was a disappointment," Ahlmann reflected on his first days in Aachen where he fell victim of the very difficult weather conditions.

Today however, Taloubet Z was back at his best: "He is in great shape and finishing second in a really fast jump-off, I am very happy with him," Ahlmann said about his stallion. "He is 17-years-old but feels and looks like a much younger horse. I hope that I can ride on Sunday, otherwise I will be watching the Rolex Grand Prix from the tribune."

German Champion Simone Blum (GER) on the 10-year-old mare DSP Alice (Askari x Landrebell) took the third place with a time of 47,20 seconds. "My mare jumped great," Blum commented on her ride. It was the first time the couple showed in Aachen, and Blum could not have been happier with her experience: "My horse is always fighting for me and the audience here is great," she said.

Lorenzo De Luca (ITA) on the 11-year-old gelding Limestone Grey (Try-Time) placed fourth with a time of 48,09 seconds, and Andreas Kreuzer (GER) on the 10-year-old gelding Calvilot (Calvaro Z x Quilot) took the fifth spot with a time of 48,24 seconds.

Serving as great entertainment for the audience, the Prize of Sparkasse – a speed and handiness competition over ditches and banks – went to Cian O'Connor (IRL) on the 12-year-old stallion Copain du Perchet CH (Conteur x Ragazzo) who could mark his second win of the weekend after clocking the time of 68,42 seconds.

Philip Rüping (GER) on the 10-year-old mare Chalypsa (Chacco Blue x Sandro) placed second with a time of 68,70, and Samuel Parot (CHI) on the 13-year-old gelding Quick du Pottier (Hurlevent de Breka x Cuba) took the third spot with a time of 70,36 seconds. 

Text © World of Showjumping by Nanna Nieminen // Picture © Jenny Abrahamsson