Heavy snow and icy conditions did not freeze the enthusiasm of spectators. The Flanders Christmas Show in Mechelen attracted a capacity audience for the FEI World Cup Freestyle, with tickets sold out 14 days in advance. “This is a very special show”, said Van Grunsven, who until now has won in Mechelen on every visit. “This is a difficult show as the spectators are very close and there is a lot of activity, but although I would not prefer it like this every time, it is really good practice!”
Van Grunsven needed the good practice when a Christmas decoration falling out of a tree to the floor behind them while doing the walk failed to disturb Keltec Salinero and Anky van Grunsven's concentration during their 83 per cent winning freestyle. However, it had the audience on edge and they showed it! While the result was some tension in the ensuing canter work, van Grunsven was delighted that Salinero found it very easy to let go again. “It's a very positive step”, she said. “Salinero will have his rest now and I’ll concentrate on bringing back IPC Krack C in the arena”.
After the two established Dutch Van Grunsven and Gal, the Dutch squad with the young talents Imke Schellekens, Laurens van Lieren and Marlies van Baalen showed their world class with nice and smooth riding and top performances in the Freestyle as well. Schellekens ended third, Van Lieren fourth, Van Baalen in her first international appearance aboard Relevant sixth. The home side’s rider Jeroen Devroe was a favourite with the crowd, and even their enthusiastic foot-stamping accompaniment did not stop the Belgian rider and Paganini performing their best freestyle to date for fifth place.
“She is fantastic and has a lot of potential”, said a delighted Schellekens-Bartels placed third on Sunrise after she already was in the mood by winning the Freestyle Intermediaire I-level aboard OO Seven. Their 'Night of the Proms' music is a hit with both the crowd and the judges it seems. “Our programme is not very difficult yet as Sunrise is not very experienced, but I can make it a higher degree. I would love to go to the Final, and I think we have a good chance now”, she added. The pair will now contest Neumünster and Indoor Brabant.
Results (30.12.05)
CDI-W Mechelen
Prix S.Georges
1º Imke Schellekens-Bartels (Hol) / OO Seven / 70,6
2º Jeanette Haazen (Hol) / Nartan / 69,95
3º Sophie Van Lent-Baetens (Bel) / Dark Diamant / 68,3
4º Marlies van Baalen (Hol) / Roman Nature / 67,65
5º Edward Gal (Hol) / Tc Ravel / 67,05
6º Larissa Pauluis-Chantril (Bel) / Dreamboy / 66,9
7º Hannelore Volders (Bel) / Jakko / 66,4
8º Floris De Coninck (Bel) / Quartiermeister / 65,1
9º Christa Laarakkers (Hol) / Ovation / 64,3
10º Helen Wielockx (Bel) / Mister Ed / 63,5
Grand Prix – B
1º Anky van Grunsven (Hol) / Salinero / 76,13
2º Edward Gal (Hol) / Lingh / 72,83
3º Imke Schellekens-Bartels (Hol) / Sunrise / 72,00
4º Laurens van Lieren (Hol) / Ollright / 69,96
5º Jeroen Devroe (Bel) / Paganini / 69,50
6º Marlies van Baalen (Hol) / Relevant 5 / 68,33
7º Patricia Callaghan (Hol) / Joy / 67,21
8º Dominique D'Esmee (Fra) / Roi De Coeur / 66,42
9º Wayne Chanon (Gbr) / Lorenzo / 65,17
10º Mieke Lunskens (Bel) / Jade / 63,75