There was a lot of money at stake at this weekend’s Super Grand Prix in Prague – €1.25 million in prize money. Thirteen rider-horse combinations, each of which had won a Grand Prix during the past Longines Global Champions Tour season, took to the arena.
And once again, a Holsteiner demonstrated its exceptional class: Monaco, by Cassini II out of Contender (Ralf Lütje, Haseldorf), line 429, was one of only five horses to remain clear in the first round; he had just one knockdown in the second round, securing fifth place for his rider, Harrie Smolders.
The competition in Las Vegas (USA) is likely to have been a favourite for Conor Swail (CAN) and Theo by Christian-Calando IV (Gerhard Krätzer, Loit), line 8856: The pair had already won the Grand Prix last year, and this weekend they once again claimed victory in the 1.45-metre class. Unchained by Uriko-Quidam de Revel (Martina Wirtz, Wulkenzin), line 2067, and Lea Siegel (USA) also took sixth place. The gelding changed hands at a Holstein auction in 2014 and is now enjoying success in advanced show jumping overseas.
Victory in a 1.45-metre competition was secured by the Casall son Casallino (MV. Loran; Harm Thormählen, Kollmar), line 2151, and Pius Schwizer (SUI) in Gorla Minore (ITA).
Barbara Schnieper (SUI) rode Quick Fire by Quintero-Contender (Morten Augustinus, DEN); line 1094, and rode the Holstein premium stallion to first place in a 1.45-metre show jumping class at the Italian show.
In Riyadh (KSA), David Will had every reason to be very pleased with his Zirocco Blue son Zaccorado Blue (sire: Acorado I; Tanja Schramm, Ilmenau), line 1298: The grey horse won one silver and one gold medal in the 1.45-metre and 1.50-metre show jumping classes.
Further results for Holsteiners from around the world can be found here:
Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography: Conor Swail and Theo
