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Daniel Deusser and Pironella galloped to an elegant victory in the Euros 151,000 Five Star 1.55m class on the penultimate day of the Longines Global Champions Tour at the Al Shaqab outdoor arena yesterday. Ireland’s Denis Lynch with All Star 5 and Germany’s Marco Kutscher with the consistent Liberty Son took the second place. |
The first round course set by Italy’s Uliano Vezzani made use of the uniquely generous proportions of the spectacular main arena, with it’s sweeping lines and flowing distances. The final half of the course, however, contained some awkward turns and distances, particularly the final, short treble combination which caught out many big names.
Defending champion Scott Brash was the first rider to jump clear in the first round though many experienced combinations collected four faults, including Kent Farrington and Uceko, 2014 World Championship Team silver medallist Simon Delestre and Ryan des Hayettes.
Of the 40 starters, 16 went through to the final jump-off. Britain’s Brash once again set the standard as first to go in the jump-off, producing a very classy round with Lady Harris and Lady Kirkham’s exciting up-and-coming mare Hello M’Lady in a time of 38.73s to eventually take fourth. Brash has been widely tipped by fellow riders to retain his Championship title today if he can put in a top five finish in the dramatic final Grand Prix of the season.
Drawn late, Marco Kutscher and Denis Lynch did what was needed to each grab the lead for a time, clocking in at 38.43s and 37.97s, respectively. Second last to go, Daniel Deusser knew exactly what was required, taking the tightest lines and sharpest turns with his fleet-footed mount to stop the clock at 37.24s.
With their star Grand Prix horses resting this evening, Championship leader Ludger Beerbaum and his closest rival Rolf-Göran Bengtsson did not compete yesterday.
Earlier on Thursday night, the Euros 90,500 Five Star class was won by Belgium’s Gregory Wathelet and Conrad de Hus, who put in a deceptively quick round to leave a large and competitive field in their dust. Second place went to Daniel Deusser and Cornet D’Amour who had looked unbeatable, and third to an ever-smiling Luciana Diniz and Fit For Fun.
The first round, built by Italy’s Uliano Vezzani, was a sweeping, attacking course that took advantage of Al Shaqab’s massive arena. Many of the star riders had their Grand Prix horses in the competition which served as a generous introduction to today’s battleground.
Of the 40 starters, an incredible 20 went through to the jump-off which shows the world-class calibre of the riders present at this, the final event of the season.
Championship leader Ludger Beerbaum, who announced earlier today that he would not compete Chiara as expected in the Grand Prix but instead Zinedine, rode a careful round with his young stallion to collect one time fault. His rivals for the title, Scott Brash with Hello Sanctos and Rolf-Göran Bengtsson with Casall ASK, both jumped clear though they elected not to jump-off to save their horses for the Grand Prix today.
First to go, Denis Lynch set the pace in the jump-off with All Star 5 in a time of 41.16s. Reigning German Champion Daniel Deusser and Cornet D’Amour then wiped nearly two seconds from Lynch’s time to take the lead in 38.34s.
Gregory Wathelet and Conrad de Hus, who became internet sensations in Paris this summer when Conrad’s bridle fell off mid-round, took over the lead with a great round in 37.67s from the middle of the draw. Diniz did her best to catch the time, but slotted into third.