CSIO3* Linz: António Matos Almeida claims victory in the Silver Tour

A great start for Portugal in the CSIO3* in Linz Austria which opened this Thursday with a win from António Matos Almeida on Irene Van de Kwachthoeve in the Silver Tour 1.40 m class. Mário Wilson Fernandes with Tidelio des Nauves took fourth place in the same event and Luís Sabino Gonçalves was placed fourth in the Gold Tour 1.45 class on Acheo di San Patrignano.

Riding the 10 year old Belgian mare, Irene Van de Kwachthoeve, António Matos Almeida registered the fastest time in the Table A against the clock event of the 15 clear rounds (59,26). Bronislav Chudyba (SVK) was placed second with Pokerface 33 (59,97s), whilst Holly Smith (GBR) took third place on Grennanstown Sarco Lux (60,74s). Mário Wilson Fernandes almost made it to the podium with Tidelio des Nauves (61,85s) and Luís Sabino Gonçalves finished in 16th place on Unesco du Rouet, having incurred 1 time fault (75,21s). 66 horse /rider combinations were entered.

The Table A against the clock Gold Tour (1.45m) qualification for the Grand Prix was won by Bronislav Chudyba with Lester IX (66,70s). Second place went to the Australian Amy Graham on Cali des Bergeries (69,64s) and the Austrian Matthias Raisch with Magic 14 took third  (70,36s). Luís Sabino Gonçalves on Acheo di San Patrignano claimed fourth place (71,17s). Still placed in the prize money in the Gold Tour was António Matos Almeida this time on Nikel de Presle in 17th. Of the 69 combinations to start, only 8 managed to ride clear rounds.

Thirteen teams will dispute the Nations Cup (CSIO4*) this Friday. The Portuguese team will include António Matos Almeida (Nikel de Presle), Duarte Seabra (Fernhill Curra Quinn), Luis Sabino Gonçalves (Unesco du Rouet) and Mário Wilson Fernandes (Joly Coeur van Het Kriekenhof). Portugal starts off in 9th place. Chef d’Equipe: Francisco Louro – Coach : Antonis Petris.

Results HERE