Christian Ahlmann wins Grand Prix of Hesse – repeating his success from last year

It was a very good run for Christian Ahlmann from Marl.

One week after his success in the top-ten final in Geneva the 37-year old World Ranking list leader won the Grand Prix of Hesse on his mare Lorena. He won a brand new car from Mercedes Benz and furthermore he collected 100 points for the World Ranking list and 86.000 Euros in the difficult show jumping competition, which was presented by the Deutsche Vermögensberatung AG.

Overall 14 competitors took part in the jump-off and all of them created a terrific atmosphere for the visitors. Ahlmann was the fastest, taking short turns and beating Dutch Jur Vrieling, who was in front for a while. “It was great to ride Lorena in the jump-off,” Ahlmann said. “I have to admit I was a bit embarrassed when I was announced as the World Ranking list leader during the last days and then had loads of faults…,” the winner joked. But the triumph in the Grand Prix of Hesse compensated that fully.

Dutch Jur Vrieling came to Frankfurt for the second time and was also placed second in the Grand Prix. “It was a great horse show, we have to be thankful towards Paul Schockemöhle and the Linsenhoff-Rath family,” said Vrieling looking at the organisers. The Australian Amy Graham, who rides for the Stanny van Paesschens yard in Belgium, was also overall satisfied. With Bella Baloubet she was placed in front of the German Champion Marc Bettinger, who is from Wickrath and lives in Belgium, and Swiss Clarissa Crotta.

Christian Ahlmann is now driving a Mercedes-Benz. The car was brought to Marl and Ahlmann's partner Judy-Ann Melchior offered her help immediately: “I can drive the car, maybe I could?” Ahlmann quickly stopped her: “Yes, but I could as well – we will see…”