Third victory for Cassio Rivetti in the RWE Prize of North Rhine-Westphalia

The Soers is turning out to be a successful venue for Cassio Rivetti, who after winning the RWE Prize of North Rhine-Westphalia celebrated his third victory in total at the World Equestrian Festival, CHIO Aachen 2009 so far.

Born in Sao Paulo in Brazil, Rivetti now lives in Belgium and trains in France. He is familiar with Aachen after competing at the FEI World Equestrian Games in 2006, where he represented his native country, Brazil. “I have been riding for Ukraine since January,” explained the 29-year-old, who previously trained with the Pessoas for five years. After steering his Stakkato son, Sandy, to victory in two of the Sparkasse Youngster Cup competitions, Rivetti, who inherited his name from his Italian grandfather, also prevailed today in a strong field of fellow-competitors in the RWE Prize of North Rhine-Westphalia. He reached the finish line with the Animo-son, Cortaflex Billy Birr, in the fastest time of 49.36 seconds in the jump-off, which was contested by 18 riders.

“I have only been riding this horse for a month. It has great potential and I hope he will become a top horse for international championships.”

The Swiss rider, Pius Schwizer, claimed second place with a clear round in 49.97 seconds with the Belgium-bred Nonstop son, Ulysse. “I was very pleased at coming second, Ulysse already won the Swiss Championships this year and the Derby in La Baule. He is a real all-rounder, at the beginning I didn’t realise how much potential he has, but now I know that he is incredibly talented,“ stated Schwizer, who is fortunate enough to have five top horses at the moment. Thomas Mühlbauer secured third place with the Bavarian-bred, state stud stallion, Asti Spumante. The Oldenburger Argentinus x Landfrieden stallion completed the course in a time of 50.10 seconds. “Asti came to me as a 4-year-old and I have been riding him now for eleven years. He is a real friend and I am glad to have him,“ said Mühlbauer, who runs a hotel with his wife in the Bavarian Forest. “I am very grateful that my wife backs me, so that I can continue riding and competing. I have some good offspring from Asti.“