Austria's children off to a dream start!
Austria's youth got off to a dream start at the championships. Johanna Sixt, current Austrian champion in the “Children” class, and her horse “Lillifee” once again proved their magnificence and came in first in today's first qualifying for the “Children's” single competition. “I was insanely nervous”, admitted Johanna at the winner interview, “and most grateful, that my parents make this possible for me!”.
A little shy at the interview nevertheless bold in the saddle was Gaj Riossa from Slovenia who was second best. In third place we find another Austrian participant. Jessica Vonach (Vorarlberg) and her austrian bred mare had a flawless run, but as she later stated, she actually just wanted a clear round and never expected to be that fast.
Irland's Junior Sven Joseph Hadley (IRL) seems invincible
The junior’s course proved to especially challenging as of all 112 young talents only 21 stayed clear. While others had to deal with slips, imperfections and errors, Sven Joseph Hadley from Ireland seemed invincible. With a clear round and six seconds in the lead, Hadley and his Andiamo-Z daughter “Adelgonde Z” were one place ahead of the Italien Francesca Arioldi and “Lady Chanu“. The third place went to Sweden's representative Karl-Phillip Ingvarsson and his Oldenburg gelding “Come Soon”.
Maelle Martin at the top of the score board.
Probably most amazed herself, Maelle Martin from France seemed unstoppable. She casually rode to first place in unbelievable 75.70 seconds and currently tops the Young Rider standings. The ranking system was complicated enough, since the results of the time trial were multiplied by 0.5 and the difference to the winning party was added to receive a final score.
Course designer Frank Rothenberger (GER) screened his 74 protégés with difficult lines and difficile distances. Whoever failed these first obstacles, did not stand a chance at the 1.5 meter high fences. The two Swiss riders, Martina Meroni and Martin Fuchs with Calvados son “Socrates II” and Oldenburg gelding “Principal 12”, were not intimidated by the course and came in second and third.
Quotes:
Johanna Sixt (AUT) – winner of the 1st “Children” qualifying
“I was so nervous at the start and then everything worked out just fine! I'm totally happy and unbelievable gratful to my parents!”
Sven Joseph Hadley (IRL) – winner of the 1st “Junior” qualifying
“It's just beautiful here! The facilities, the scenery and my victory… I'm totally stoked!”
Maelle Martin (FRA) – winner of the 1st “Young Rider” qualifying
“I never would have dreamed about winning. It's such a big tournament with lot's of competing nations and top-notch riders. To stand here as victor is an unbelievable experience!”