Edited press release from Stuttgart German Masters

The sold-out Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle in Stuttgart, Germany, with its 8,000 spectators, created an extraordinary atmosphere on Friday night as the top twelve horse-and-rider combinations from Thursday and Friday's qualifiers rewarded the enthusiastic audience with an exciting competition for the coveted CSI5*-W 1.55m German Master-title.

Six out of the twelve pairs at start remained faultless in the first round and qualified for the decisive jump-off. As last pair out in the jump-off, Steve Guerdat (SUI) and his wonderful Dynamix de Belheme (Snaike de Blondel x Cornet Obolensky) – reigning European champions – beat the leading time of Giulia Martinengo Marquet (ITA) and Scuderia 1918 Calle Deluxe (Cesano x Con Air), 38.96 seconds, by just one hundredth.

Crossing the finish line in 38.95 seconds, the 2012 Olympic champion and 2024 Olympic vice-champion snatched the win from Martinengo Marquet who had to settle for second, while the Swedish 2021 Olympic team gold medallist Peder Fredricson and Catch Me Not S (Cardento x Ramiro's Son) completed the podium in third with a time of 39.97. 

“To be honest, it was crazy, I had not planned to ride my best horse, but this class was still missing from my bucket list,” smiled the happy winner. “The German Master is my favourite competition – thanks to the Stuttgart audience. I love Stuttgart!”