The Netherlands' Eric Van der Vleuten pictured with his Rolex watch after winning today's sixth leg of the Rolex FEI World Cup Jumping series at Olympia, London riding VDL Groep Tomboy.
ERIC AND TOMBOY STORM HOME AT OLYMPIA
Olympia, London (GBR), 20 December 2009 – Holland’s Eric Van der Vleuten rocketed up to the top of the leaderboard after a superb victory with VDL Groep Tomboy in the sixth leg of the Rolex FEI World Cup Jumping series at Olympia, London today. Ireland’s Cian O’Connor set the target with Rancorrado in the 11-horse jump-off but was pipped at the post by the Dutchman’s second-last-to-go ride, while Penelope Leprevost claimed third with Mylord Carthago.
Today’s winner has amassed 57 points this season, so is already guaranteed a place at next April’s Rolex FEI World Cup Jumping Final in Geneva, Switzerland but he had to fight hard for those maximum 20 points today.
A BIT OF A PUZZLE
The first-round track proved a bit of a puzzle in the early stages, the tight confines of the Victorian Grand Hall at the central London venue once again proving a challenge when the fences were raised by course-designer Frank Rothenberger. Balance and rhythm were key to success, but Germany’s Max Kuhner lost both of these when dislodged from Acantus GK at the vertical fence seven. He found himself running alongside his horse with a look of complete surprise on his face after Acantus jumped awkwardly and he was the only rider eliminated on the track. Two retired, but with 11 through against the clock it was always going to be a tough one to win. Read more> http://www.horsesinthesouth.com/article/article_detail.aspx?id=9386
Tags: equestrian competitions, equestrian disciplines, FEI, hunter/jumper
