Sweden's Jan Brink and Bjorsell's Briar overpowered a top class field to claim after a pause of almost two months the FEI World Cup Qualifier in Neumünster. It was their second victory of two starts this season.
“It was wonderful to come and win here”, said the Swedish star who broke the mould in winning the Aachen championship last summer. “It is not too far for us to travel and the atmosphere is amazing”. Brink’s aim is not the final however. He repeated his plan to concentrate the now 15-year-old Briar on this summer's World Equestrian Games with an economical programme of outings.
Mariette Withages, President of the Ground Jury, commented: “”The Neumünster public is possibly the best in the world – very knowledgeable. The standard was very high and for me the winner was clear, although the following riders were very close and we judges didn't know, even at the end of the class, who would be second or third.”
It was Germany's Isabell Werth who came closest in partnership with the ten-year-old rising star Warum Nicht FRH. The winner of Neumünster 2005 riding Antony FRH that time said: “I'm very happy! 'Hannes' is still not that experienced, but he concentrated very well. He is becoming more solid mentally.” The former World Cup champion has now risen to equal fifth in the standings after three increasingly developing outings.
For Danish Andreas Helgstrand and Blue Hors Cavan, who had surprised with victory in the Grand Prix, there were a few mistakes. In this class, it was one too many for the Danish pair, and they finished third in the freestyle.