CSI3* Austria: Francois Mathy Jr claims the opening class

82 times the starter bell rang this Thursday in the CSI3* GLOCK’s Opening Competition over 1.40 m. For the first time in the International Show Jumping at the GHPC, the top riders saddled their horses and really went out for it.

A total of 25 participating combinations finished a penalty-free round but only one of them managed to stay under the 60 second mark.

Francois Mathy Jr (BEL) risked it all in the saddle of his eleven-year-old BWP stallion Falco van de Clehoeve and, at 58.92 seconds, was not to be beaten. “We are here participating in a beautiful tournament and I am delighted with this kick-off victory.

However, we still have quite a few days ahead of us and, for the Grand Prix on Sunday, I hope to have that necessary little bit of luck”, said the beaming winner in his interview.
Closest to the winning time was Sanne Thijssen. The just 17-year-old Dutch rider presented a fabulous round with her Baloubet du Rouet-daughter Ulena, securing second place in a penalty-free 60.29 seconds. German rider Felix Hassmann made it to third place. He crossed the finishing line with eleven-year-old gelding SL Brazonado after 61.14 seconds.

CSIYH1*

Carlotta 232 triumphing under Emanuele Gaudiano in the GLOCK’s Youngster Tour
Today, for the first time in the CSIYH1* GLOCK’s Youngster Tour Opening, seven and eight-year-old young talents were able to test themselves.

In line with the age of the horses, the course over 1.30 m had been built leaving space for canter, a fact that led to 20 penalty-free rounds for the 34 participants. Best timing by far was delivered by seven-year-old Oldenburg mare Carlotta 232 under her rider Emanuele Gaudiano (ITA). The world’s number 23 piloted the mare, bred from Chaccomo x Cento, to the finishing line in 50.96 seconds. “Carlotta is a winner”, said Emanuele in the interview. “Even when she was only five or six years old we were able to count numerous victories and I do hope things will go on like this.”
Second place was taken in 52.31 seconds by Delvecchio, the eight-year-old progeny of Zirocco Blue VDL, under Marc Bettinger (GER). Third was Belgium’s Nicola Philippaerts with her similarly eight-year-old BWP mare Inouk P (Thunder van de Zuuthoeve x Darco). GLOCK rider Gerco Schröder (NED), with the enormously powerful jumper GLOCK’s Debalia, daughter of Numero Uno, also achieved a clear round and took eighth place in 63.63 seconds. Following right behind were Alessandra Reich (OÖ) with her Oldenburg-raised, eight-year-old gelding Quatro Rubin (Quintender x Couleur-Rubin) as best red-white-red rider (0/65.55).

Results (28/01/16)

10 – CSI3* GLOCK's Opening Competition
Int. Springprüfung nach Fehlern und Zeit 1,40 m
1. Falco van de Clehoeve – Mathy, Francois Jr (BEL) 0/58,92
2. Ulena – Thijssen, Sanne (NED) 0/60,29
3. SL Brazonado – Haßmann, Felix (GER) 0/61,14
4. Dragon Leon – Cheng, Kenneth (HKG) 0/62,51
5. Barino – Bettinger, Marc (GER) 0/62,71
6. Inliner – Bitter, Eva (GER) 0/63,28
7. Ailonka – Krackow, Jürgen (AUT/S) 0/66,19
8. Quintella – Skrzyczynski, Jaroslaw (POL) 0/66,28
9. Horse Gym's Balance – Haßmann, Felix (GER) 0/67,83
10. Amour 44 – Thijssen, Sanne (NED) 0/69,13