Leading FEI U25-rider Harry Charles once again impressed this past weekend, when taking the top honours with his 10-year-old gelding Sherlock (Bisquet Balou C x Malito de Reve, bred by Gustaaf Quintelier) in the CSI5*-W 1.60m Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ in A Coruña – which followed a win in Friday's CSI5*-W 1.50m Caixabank Trophy with Billabong du Roumois (Mylord Carthago x Papillon Rouge, bred by Philippe Berthol). Only a few weeks ago, Harry also took two big wins at the Stuttgart German Masters where he finished 2nd in the World Cup as well – and after this weekend's victory in A Coruña, he has climbed to the top of the standings in the Western European League.
This was the 7th leg of the 2023/2024 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Western European League, hosted at the Casas Novas Equestrian Center in Arteixo, A Coruña – as one of three December-stops. And here, we look back at some of the highlights at Casas Novas Equestrian Center.
All photos © Mackenzie Clark, all rights reserved. If copyright violations occur, a penalty fee will apply.
“He’s very green at this level, it’s only his second or third 1.60m class so I’m delighted to have a clear with him and I’m just going to give him a nice trip in the jump-off," Harry Charles said after the first round with Sherlock – a horse his father Peter bought as a 4-year-old.
Jack Whitaker providing his friend Harry with some last advice ahead of the jump-off.
"I’m lost for words for Sherlock! He’s just an incredible horse!” said Charles after storming to victory with a clear in 44.92 seconds, way beyond his expectations and plans for the jump-off.
Moments like these... Harry Charles' groom Georgia Ellwood with Sherlock.
Admiration...
...and lots of love for the winner. “He’s like my baby, I’ve had him since he was a five-year-old and I’ve done everything with him. I can’t tell you how proud I am of him!" Harry said after their victory.
Max Kühner and the only 9-year-old EIC Julius Caesar (Couleur Rubin x Cancara, bred by Spexgoor Stables/L. Spexgoor) finished second.
Got to love this one! Tornado VS (Toulon x Contender, bred by Vanessa Schockemöhle) placed third with Armando Trapote who was best on behalf of the host nation.
This little horse...! "I’m very proud of him, he gave everything and I tried my best, it was a fantastic result for me!" Trapote said after the third place.
The stunning indoor at Casas Novas Equestrian Center, as Lorenzo de Luca and F One USA (Toulon x Otangelo, bred by Th. H. W. ten Brinke & R. Bril) gallops towards a 4th place finish after one down in the jump-off but the fastest time of the class.
World no. one Henrik von Eckermann and Glamour Girl (VDL Zirocco Blue x Caletto I, bred by Stoeterij Gaesbeek VOF) also lowered one fence in the jump-off and had to settle for 5th this time around.
Course-walk with world no. one Henrik von Eckermann and Philipp Weishaupt, a former colleague at Beerbaum Stables.
Getting ready to go...
Fourteen made the cut into the jump-off, where only three horse-and-rider combinations managed to jump another clear. Christian Ahlmann and Mandato van de Neerheide (Emerald x Pommeau de Heup, bred by Eric Van Giel) were amongst those who had to see a pole fall against the clock.
A very happy Santiago Nunez Riva after a clear first round with Chakira Z (Crown Z x Quidam de Revel, bred by G.B.L. Nijhof). The Spanish duo eventually finished 10th after four faults in the jump-off.
Clear round expression for Pieter Devos aboard Mom’s Toupie de la Roque (Kannan x Nabab de Reve, bred by EURL Top Stallions Company). The two eventually finished 8th after four faults in the jump-off that counted fourteen horse-and-rider combinations.
A smile from Francesco Turturiello on Quite Balou.
Only two riders among the fourteen in the jump-off were female, and best of them was Barbara Schnieper who finished 12th with Canice (Cascadello x Cornet Obolensky, bred by Wolfgang Brinkmann) after eight faults against the clock.
Maikel van der Vleuten and Beauville Z N.O.P. (Bustique x Jumpy des Fontaines, bred by Pascal Habets) with the Casas Novas Equestrian Center's indoor as a backdrop.
There is nothing stopping this young man!
Who also celebrated a victory in Friday's CSI5*-W 1.50m Caixabank Trophy with Billabong du Roumois.
Kisses for Billabong. Congratulations to the team at Heathcroft Farm for another fantastic weekend!
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