Daniel Deusser capped a terrific last 10 days in Qatar as the German World No 3 clinched the Longines Grand Prix at the Global Champions Tour yesterday.
At the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab, Deusser astride 10-year-old Mare Killer Queen VDM conquered the 1.60m class – the marquee event of the opening leg of the tour. It was the second biggest win for the pair in a week, with Deusser having led Killer Queen VDM to victory in the Grand Prix at the CHI Al Shaqab.
Deusser, who had topped the time sheets after the first round, was the last to go in jump-off, which had seven combinations. And the German rider showed his class and mastery of the course as he galloped to victory with Killer Queen VDM in 42.54 seconds. Belgian rider Nicola Philippaerts finished second with Katanga vh Dingeshof, while Jerome Guery was third on Quel Homme de Hus.
Deusseur was ecstatic after becoming the first rider to book a place in the LGCT Super Grand Prix at the GC Prague Playoffs in November. “I am still speechless to be honest. She is still quite young at 10 years old and I think she has just shown everyone that she is one of the best horses in the world right now. The winner of each Grand Prix qualifies for the season-ending Super GP. So being able to qualify for that in the first event of the season really takes a lot of pressure off me going forward. But that doesn’t mean I don’t want to win again,” the 38-year-old said.
“I haven’t decided which events to take part in next, but I want to be competitive and win more Grand Prix events this season ,” added Deusseur, who took home €123,750 in prize money.
Max Kuhner was the first to go in the jump-off with nine-year-old Elektric Blue P but a four-second penalty spoiled his chances. Marcus Ehning was faster with 15-year-old Funky Fred after they came home in 42.79 seconds, but had one rail down.
Guery, who was fifth to go, was the first one to go clear as he crossed the line with Quel Homme de Hus in 46.27 seconds. Philippaerts and Katanga vh Dingeshof followed next and were two seconds faster but Deusser and Killer Queen VDM produced a super fast round to ease to a comfortable win.
 
Philippaerts twins seal London Knights’ victory
Meanwhile, London Knights stamped their authority on the first leg of the Global Champions League team series after a last-minute drama crushed the hopes of their closest rivals St Tropez Pirates. Twin brothers Nicola and Olivier Philippaerts emerged triumphant in the opening GCL competition of the new season with an impressive clean scoresheet and an unbeatable time. Paris Panthers, featuring Gregory Wathelet and new signing Penelope Leprevost, were the only other team to produce a full set of clear rounds giving them a well-deserved second place.
“The pressure is on. We have won the last two years, but we started off with a win so that gives great motivation for the next few shows. The season is still very long but we choose our best horses for the events and we hope to do well again in the Super Cup, all the teams work towards it,” said Olivier Philippaerts.
Nicola added: “It’s really cool to win with my brother for the first time. We’re very happy, both horses jumped very well. It’s very nice to have a kick off here and win straight away in Doha.”
Berlin Eagles, also with a strong new signing in German rider Philipp Weishaupt, finished third on four faults. After the first round, St Tropez Pirates were in pole position but Pieter Devos dramatically put them out of contention when his mare Claire Z refused at the narrow white wall leaving new teammate Deusser to deliver a necessary clear round to keep them in the top tier finishers.


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