A new sporting direction lies ahead for Zuccero HV by Zirocco Blue-Caretino (Hanno Köhncke, Badendorf), line 4539, in the coming years. He will compete under the saddle of Maximilian Weishaupt (GER), with a focus on the Global Champions Tour.

Through Ludger Beerbaum, a sponsor has secured the competition rights to the stallion, meaning that the grey will be able to compete under Maximilian Weishaupt this season in the prestigious series, amongst other events. Throughout the remainder of his competitive career, Zuccero HV will continue to be used for frozen semen via the Holsteiner Verband Hengsthaltungs GmbH. Following his show jumping career, the now 13-year-old will return to Elmshorn and will once again be available to breeders via fresh semen. 

Many thanks, Rolf and Zuccero!
Over the past five years, Zuccero HV and Rolf-Göran Bengtsson have developed into an outstanding team that has enjoyed some remarkable successes. After his then rider, Bart van der Maat, had already successfully presented the stallion in Youngster Tours, the Swede took over the training of the grey in mid-2020. With care, deliberation and the calmness typical of Bengtsson, Rolf-Göran continued to introduce him to more demanding challenges and played a key role in ensuring that Zuccero HV could develop into the exceptional athlete he is today. Victories in the Grand Prix events at Neumünster (GER) and Uggerhalne (DEN) are to their credit, as is their recent triumph in Abu Dhabi (UAE). Team gold at the European Championships in Milan (ITA) in 2023, as well as representing the Swedish team at last year’s Olympic Games in Paris (FRA), marked further highlights in the pair’s shared career. “Rolf has done a fantastic job with Zuccero,” says Managing Director Felix Flinzer. “I would like to express my sincere thanks to him. I wish Zuccero’s new rider every success.” 

Photo: Sebastian Bolse