Turn the lights on: The Turkish Airlines Prize of Europe in images

We have all been waiting for this moment:

On Wednesday night, it was finally time to turn the floodlights back on at CHIO Aachen for the Turkish Airlines Prize of Europe – a 1.60m qualifier for Sunday's Rolex Grand Prix. Who better to open the photo special than Christian Kukuk's flying Checker 47, over the signature Turkish Airlines oxer.

All photos © Jenny Abrahamsson for World of Showjumping. No reproduction of these images is permitted.

The winners of this prestigious class were Max Kühner and Elektric Blue P, and the 10-year-old gelding took time for a little, well-deserved snack during the prize giving ceremony.

A quiet moment between Elektric Blue P and his groom Mariella Offner.

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Celebrations!

Luciana Diniz was all smiles after a double clear round, which resulted in a second place with Vertigo du Desert...

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...who seemed very happy to finally be back in Aachen, like all the rest of us!

Game-face on for Jerome Guery, who finished third with Eras Ste Hermelle after two impressive rounds.

Patricio Pasquel's face says it all: Clear round with Babel!

Earning air miles: Maurice Tebbel's Don Diarado.

A little smile from Hansi Dreher after a clear round with Vestmalle Des Cotis. No less than twenty of the 48 horse-and-rider combinations in the class jumped clears in the first round, and with only twelve allowed back for round two it was the time that made the cut.

Marc Houtzager and Sterrehof's Dante N.O.P. jumped a beautiful first round, but ended up having a frightening fall on the first oxer in round two. Luckily, both left the ring on their feet and seemed unharmed.

Good-luck kisses for Lillie Keenan's Skyhorse from Corentin Tual.

A big smile from Philipp Schulze Topphoff who jumped clear in round one with Concordess NRW.

Gregory Wathelet and Full House Ter Linden Z returned for round two, and were very fast – but unfortunately they had the last upright down, and had to settle for 7th place.

The only way is forward! David Will and the incredibly cute Quentucky Jolly.

Daniel Bluman and Gemma W had the fastest time in the second round, but a pole fell on the Turkish Airlines oxer pushing them down to finish 6th.

Darragh Kenny and VDL Cartello were clear in the first round, but had to see three poles fall against the clock.

Teamwork makes the dream work!

Treats for Elektric Blue P.

Full speed from Bart Bles and Gin D, who ended 5th.

Daniel Deusser's Bingo Ste Hermelle also made it to the second round, but had to see a pole fall on the Turkish Airlines oxer, which was the penultimate fence in the second round. The pair ended 9th.