From press release by EQWO Media House

The list of starters in Friday’s CSI5* 1.50m GLOCK’s Perfection Tour read like a Who’s Who of the showjumping scene, with ten of the top 100 riders in the world travelling to Carinthia to claim their share of the generous prize purse of almost 600,000 Euro. Two-times GLOCK’s Grand Prix winner Christian Ahlmann commented on the technically demanding task: “At this level it isn’t just the height that’s decisive, but also how the rider-horse duo deals with the technical challenge. Especially in the turns and stand-off distances you can spot how well a horse reacts to the rider’s aids.” 

The first of a total of five Longines Ranking competitions this weekend was decided in the jump-off, opened by Paris Sellon (USA) and Cassandra (Caressini L x Cardento) with a magnificent clear round. The time of 50.20 seconds meant an outstanding third place in this selective competition for the 27-year-old partner of top Swiss show jumper Martin Fuchs. The silver medallist of Tryon 2018 and three-times GLOCK’s Grand Prix winner is currently ranked third on the Longines Ranking and was therefore of course one of the favourites in the CSI5* GLOCK’s Perfection Tour. In the saddle of the 11-year-old The Sinner (Sanvaro x Landgold 3), Fuchs finished the competition in second place after stopping the clock at 49.39.

Victory and the 15,000 Euro winner’s purse was secured by 31-year-old David Will from Germany, riding 13-year-old Selle Francaise mare Spring Dark (Jazz Band Courcelle x Palestro II) across the finish line in an unbeatable time of 47.03 seconds. “It’s always a great honour to have the chance to be here and today was definitely my best victory. Spring Dark is in great form right now and we have great hopes of the Grand Prix on Sunday,” said a beaming David Will in the winner’s interview.

Earlier in the day, Margie Goldstein-Engle (USA) – who has an impressive list of sporting successes that includes team silver at the 2006 World Equestrian Games and team gold, team silver and bronze at the Pan American Games – took the top honours. In the saddle on her 11-year-old mare USA Normande (Made In Semilly x Urbain du Monnai), the American rider cantered across the line in 65.39 seconds. “I’m very happy to be here. The atmosphere is really impressive with all those mountains around us, something we don’t have back home in Florida,” said a delighted Goldstein-Engle, who has come to the starting line at GHPC Austria for the first time.