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Ireland dominates at the FEI WBFSH Jumping World Breeding Championships for Young Horses

Sunday, 22 September 2019
FEI/WBFSH World Breeding Jumping Championships for Young Horses 2019

Photo © Nanna Nieminen for World of Showjumping The top three riders in the 5-year-old final: Jason Foley, Michael Pender and Emma Stoker. Photo © Nanna Nieminen for World of Showjumping.

 

Text © World of Showjumping

 


 

The 25th edition of the FEI WBFSH Jumping World Breeding Championship for Young Horses concluded in Lanaken on Sunday, with the prestigious finals for the very best 5-,6-, and 7-year-old horses. Having qualified over two days, horsed and riders took to the beautiful Ratina Z Arena to battle it out in the challenge of future superstars. 

Ireland dominated the final for the 5-year-old horses, with a one-two finish. Jason Foley (IRL) on Rockwell RC (Kannan x Guidam) took the gold with a narrow margin down to his compatriot Michael Pender on Al Shira'aa Stables’ Chacco Bay (Chaccato x Heops), who had to settle for silver. Extremely delighted with his new mount, Jason commented afterwards: "The owners and breeders of this horse, I would like to thank them very much,” he said. The recent partnership with Rockwell RC was not the only challenge for Jason today, as he was also dealing with a shoulder issue himself: "Three weeks ago I dislocated my shoulder and I didn't think I would be back by now – I hope the hospital doesn't see this,” he joked at the press conference. 

Michael Pender, who is only 19-years-old and has already taken four medals at the previous FEI WBFSH Jumping World Breeding Championship for Young Horses, was full of praise for his supporters – Al Shira'aa Stables. "I am delighted with my horse and would like to thank Al Shira'aa for giving me the opportunity to ride such an amazing horse. It is my first show with him. I must also thank Aoife O'Connor for doing such a great job producing the horse. He jumped amazing."  

Emma Stoker (GBR) on Skylandria Z (Super Trooper de Ness x Indoctro) took the bronze medal. "I am in shock, to be honest," she told the press after the high paced jump-off. Eleven pairs of the 46 horse-and-rider combinations that had qualified for the final cleared their way into the deciding jump-off, Emma being the only rider with two horses. Riding Orphea HQ (Emerald Van' T Ruytershof x Epleaser Van' T Heike), she took the fifth place just behind Willem Greve (NED) on Opium JW van de Moerhoeve TN (Kannan x Nabab de Reve) who placed fourth. 

Photo © Nanna Nieminen for World of Showjumping Katrin Eckermann won the final for the 6-year-olds, followed by Michael Pender and Jeroen Appelen. Photo © Nanna Nieminen for World of Showjumping.

In the final for the 6-year-old horses a total of 40 pairs were lined up for the challenge, and the quality of the horses really showed. Sixteen combinations moved on to the jump-off, after jumping clear in the first round. Katrin Eckermann (GER) and Chao Lee (Comme Il Faut x Chacco Blue) flew to the victory, and with a horse bred and owned by her father – Otmar Eckermann – this win was a special one for Katrin. "For me, she is the best horse – and I am so proud, because my dad is the breeder and the owner. Today was a perfect day for us," Katrin said after her win. "I didn't have the best feeling for my jump-off, because I never rode her so fast before. But I think she gave her everything," Katrin complimented her horse. 

Michael Pender (IRL) picked up another silver medal, this time on MHS Cardenta (Cardento x Diamond Serpent). "I am absolutely delighted with the mare and would like to thank everyone at MHS for doing such an amazing job," he said. Jeroen Appelen (BEL) on Nero de Semilly N. (Diamant de Semilly x Lord Z) took the bronze – at the pair's first international show together. "We bought this horse three months ago, we have only done a few training-shows before. In the jump-off, I just tried to do my own round. I am really happy," Jeroen commented. Victoria Gulliksen (NOR) on Ibiza (Cardento x Kojak) placed fourth and the fifth spot went to Harm Lahde (GER) on Oak Grove's Desperado (Diamant de Semilly x Lux Z). 

Photo © Nanna Nieminen for World of Showjumping Seamus Hughes-Kennedy won the final for the 7-year-olds, Victor Mariano Luminatti came in second and Marco Kutscher third. Photo © Nanna Nieminen for World of Showjumping.

In the end it was really Ireland's day in Lanaken. Out of the 40 qualified horse-and-rider combinations, only eight pairs cleared their way into the jump-off in the final for the 7-year-old horses. Last to go, the only 17-year old Seamus Hughes-Kennedy (IRL) on Cuffesgrange Cavadora (Z Wellie 72 x Luidam) took the win. "I would like to thank everyone who has been supporting me, it is nice to see the long nights paying off," the happy winner said. 

Victor Mariano Luminatti (BRA) on Cipollini Second Life Z (Carthago x Kannan) took silver. "I have had him since he was a foal, he is a fantastic horse," the young Brazilian said about his horse. Marco Kutcher (GER) on Policeman (Perigueux x Acord II) took bronze – much to his own surprise. "I had doubts about taking Policeman here, as he is not so experienced and this is a tough competition. So, I was really not expecting to be sitting here today," Marco smiled at the press conference. "I would like to take the opportunity to thank Judy Ann Melchior and her team at Zangersheide for organising such a fantastic event, it is always a pleasure to come here. To offer a prize money like this is not normal – it is a great thing for everyone involved, for the breeders and the owners to get something back for all their hard work," the German rider said. 

Mathijs van Asten (NED) on Hotspot (Hors la Loi II x Nabab de Reve) placed fourth and Alexander Housen (BEL) on Uricas vd Kattevennen (Uriko x San Patrignano Cassini) took the fifth spot in the final for the 7-year-old horses. 



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