The 30 best 7-and 8-year-old horses had qualified to take part in the Sparkassen Youngster Cup Final at CHIO Aachen on Saturday evening. Having qualified through two competitions, the quality of the youngster could really be seen and a total of 14 horse-and-rider combinations cleared the first round and joined the deciding jump-off.

As the sun started to set over Soers, it was Beezie Madden (USA) on the 8-year-old gelding Garant (Warrant x Verdi TN) that took home the win in the prestigious final. Clocking the winning time of 43.30 seconds, Madden pushed Eduardo Menezes (BRA) and the 7-year-old H. Big Action (Action Breaker x Big Star) into runner-up position with their time of 43.51 seconds. To the joy of the German crowds, Gerrit Nieberg (GER) and the 8-year-old Ben 431 (Sylvain x Quincy Jones) cleared the jump-off and took home the third spot. Current world number one Steve Guerdat (SUI) and the 8-year-old Albfuehren's Maddox (Cohiba 1198 x Maraton) placed fourth, while Laura Kraut (USA) on the 7-year-old Goldwin (Emerald x Understone van de Kapel) took the fifth spot. 

"Garant has everything that a horse needs for the top level – he has a super character, is clever, scopey and super careful," Madden said after her win.