Dermott Lennon (IRL) won the first 1,45m derby qualification in Hamburg on Wednesday, riding Gelvins Touch (Touchdown x Diamond Lad). “My daughter Tara told me to win a class in Hamburg, since I haven’t won that much this year,” Lennon told about his motivation.

“He made it all very easy and had no problems what so ever,” Lennon said about Gelvins Touch – a 12-year-old Irish stallion.

Second place went to Matthew Sampson (GBR) with the 12-year-old mare Gloria van Zuuthoeve (Thunder van de Zuuthoeve x Glorieux). Sampson is making his debut at the Hamburg Derby and decided to ride after seeing a video of from the famous event; “I saw all the people being there and you could really feel the atmosphere – unbelievable.”

Third place went to Holly Smith (GBR) with Quality Old Joker (O.B.O.S Quality 004 x Slyguff Joker). “He is a huge and very calm horse – not a lady horse at all, but I trust him totally,” Smith said.

A total of 77 horse-and-rider combinations jumped in the first qualification. The second qualification takes place on Friday with the Derby itself being jumped on Sunday.