Harrie Smolders and Uricas v.d. Kattevennen (Photo: Silvia Reiner)

Harrie Smolders wins and Max Kühner qualifies for the Super Grand Prix

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Successful premiere for Riesenbeck International and a win for Harrie Smolders

The Longines Global Champions Tour, one of the most important show jumping series in the world, stopped at the Riesenbeck International facility for the first time. From the opening day to the final day on Sunday, there were a total of 24 tests in the main stadium and the sand stadium. The highlights were the two Longines Global Champions League competitions on Friday and the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix on Sunday. 37 riders qualified for the Grand Prix based on their results in the second test of the Longines Global Champions League. Course designer Peter Schumacher and his team designed a course that demanded a lot from the riders and their horses with demanding technical requirements. Eight rider-horse pairs remained clear in the round. They fought for victory in the jump-off and, of course, for a place on the Longines Global Champions Tour Super Grand Prix at the final of the tour in Prague in November.

Parcourschef Peter Schumacher

The Irishman Michael Duffy was the first rider to remain flawless in the decision with Cinca 3, but was not particularly fast with 48.86 seconds. That became clear on the next ride, because Daniel Deusser and Killer Queen VDM were more than two seconds faster. The winner of the 2022 Super Grand Prix could now hope to secure a „ticket“ for a possible title defense at the final in Prague by winning in Riesenbeck. Daniel Deusser was able to maintain the top position up to the penultimate rider. But then Harrie Smolders took over with Uricas v.d. Kattenvennen took the lead with a clear lap in 45.56 seconds. That would have been enough for Daniel Deusser for the final, because Harrie Smolders had already secured his starting place in Prague. But Max Kühner, as the last starter with Electric Blue P in the jump-off, naturally also had the chance to qualify for the Super Grand Prix either through victory or second place behind Harrie Smolders, who had already qualified. It wasn’t quite enough for victory, but Max Kühner was 0.43 seconds faster than Daniel Deusser on his clean-shooting ride. That was 2nd place and the „ticket“ for the final in Prague.

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Result Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Riesenbeck

Photos: Silvia and Hans-Joachim Reiner