The Longines FEI World Cup returned to Amsterdam last weekend, and with success. The class was extremely exciting, with a jump-off that couldn't have been scripted better. Pius Schwizer was second last to go, and with the 10-year-old Cortney Cox he impressed everyone when taking over the lead from Daniel Deusser. But, a few minutes later the Swiss rider was beaten by the last man in the ring – Henrik von Eckermann. All photos (c) Jenny Abrahamsson.
Daniel Deusser was very quick as third last to go with Tobago Z, and it looked like it would be enough for the two to win. However, with Pius Schwizer and Henrik von Eckermann catching up on the time Deusser had to settle for third place this time around.
King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands watching as Eric van der Vleuten realises he just went clear with Wunschkind, making the crowds go off the hooks.
Out of this turn, Kevin Staut and For Joy van't Zorgvliet HDC nearly got to a standstill but still managed to clear the vertical. The two were fast though, and took over the lead but were pushed down to fourth when the class came to an end.
Malin Baryard-Johnsson and the powerhouse H&M Indiana were clear in the first round, but unfortunately had a pole down on the opening oxer in the jump-off.
Rodrigo Giesteira Almeida and GC Chopin's Bushi impressed everybody with two lovely, clear rounds to eventually finish 6th.
Nadja Peter-Steiner and the stunning Saura de Fondcombe were clear on the fences in the first round, but sadly had to see a time fault added which kept them out of the jump-off.
Full speed for Niels Bruynseels and Gancia de Muze, that finished 5th.
Sean Lynch and Tobago Z celebrating another top result.
Piergiorgio Bucci and Driandria also had a time fault keeping them out of the jump-off.
Robert Whitaker suffered the same faith as Nadja Peter-Steiner, and recorded a time fault which kept him and Catwalk out of the jump-off.
Rodrigo Giesteira Almeida and GC Chopin's Bushi had the difficult task of being first to go in the jump-off but solved it with another clear round.
Willem Greve and Zypria S were one of the four couples that finished outside the time allowed on a single penalty only.
Home hero Eric van der Vleuten and Wunschkind helped create an electric atmosphere at the RAI.
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