Tag Archives: Daniel Deusser

*Featured/Spotlights, Show Jumping

World’s Best Riders Return to Dutch Masters for First Major of Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping

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Geneva, Switzerland, 1 March 2022 – The world’s elite horse and rider combinations will gather at The Dutch Masters for three days of world-class competition in show jumping and dressage. The indoor event, held in the Brabanthallen in ’s-Hertogenbosch, culminates on Sunday 13 March with the Rolex Grand Prix, the year’s first Major of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, which rewards any rider who wins, consecutively, three of these highest-status events.

Inaugurated more than half a century ago, The Dutch Masters is one of the most revered occasions on the equestrian calendar. Since 2014, Rolex has been Main Sponsor of the event, where respect for tradition is matched by a commitment to constant innovation, making it a perfect partnership.

THE ROLEX GRAND SLAM OF SHOW JUMPING

World No. 2 Martin Fuchs had an exceptional 2021 season, which concluded with victory in the Rolex Grand Prix at the Concours Hippique International de Genève (CHIG). The Swiss rider heads to The Dutch Masters as the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping live contender. Fuchs said:

“I am really looking forward to returning to The Dutch Masters. The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping is the most esteemed title in our sport, and I am hoping to emulate my success at CHI Geneva to maintain my winning momentum.”

Fuchs will be joined in the Netherlands by a strong contingent of fellow Testimonees. These riders will aim to showcase the harmony they have developed with their horse in their quest to win this coveted Major.

Harry Charles of Great Britain had a remarkable 2021, competing in his first Olympic Games at the age of 22, and has risen to the top of the Under-25 World Rankings. He will look to follow in the footsteps of compatriot Scott Brash, the only rider to have won the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, completing the feat in 2015.

Daniel Deusser, a two-time winner of the Rolex Grand Prix at The Dutch Masters, and victorious at the Rolex Grand Prix at CHIO Aachen last year, heads to the Brabanthallen fully aware of the precision, skill, and trust between horse and rider that is required at this level. Victory in ’s Hertogenbosch would enable the German World No. 3 to collect a Rolex Grand Slam bonus for winning two of the four Majors within a year. Switzerland’s Steve Guerdat is another with a chance to claim a bonus following his victory in The CP ‘International’ at Spruce Meadows in September.

Frenchman Kevin Staut, twice a Rolex Grand Prix winner at The Dutch Masters, and Great Britain’s Brash will be drawing on their extensive experience as they join their fellow Testimonees in the quest to make the perfect start to their challenge for the ultimate equestrian prize, the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.

Virginie Chevailler
Rolex SA
virginie.chevailler@rolex.com
+41 (0) 22 302 2619

Merrick Haydon
rEvolution
mhaydon@revolutionworld.com
+44 (0) 7748 186 833

Competitions, Show Jumping

Deusser Secures Second Win of WEF 7 in $75k 1.50m Championship Classic CSI5*

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Daniel Deusser © Sportfot.

Wellington, FL – February 27, 2022 – Five-star competition at the seventh week of the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) culminated on Sunday, February 27, in the $75,000 CaptiveOne Advisors 1.50m Championship Classic CSI5* where Daniel Deusser (GER) secured his second victory of the week. Deusser was also the victor of the $75,000 Adequan ® WEF Challenge Cup Round VII CSI5* with Scuderia 1918 Tobago Z on Thursday of week 7.

A total of 53 pairings put forth an effort in the first-round track of the final five-star course of the week designed by Anthony D’Ambrosio (USA) and Andy Christiansen (ECU). The class was one of many throughout the week to have an impressive turnout of international athletes with 17 different nations represented in the starting field. Early in the class, five entries had already qualified to return for the short track including McLain Ward (USA), Erynn Ballard (CAN), Andrzej Oplatek (POL), Chloe Reid (USA), and Jos Verlooy (BEL). When the final horse on course crossed the timers, an additional 10 duos had managed to navigate their way clear. Two competitors suffered at the fate of a single time fault while one dropped rail kept another 11 out of contention.

Ward kicked off the 15-horse comeback field and took the early lead with The Kasper Group LLC’s Kasper Van Het Hellehof. The top position shifted rapidly after that with multiple riders giving it their all in hopes of taking the win. As the class wound down, Deusser crossed under the bridge with his second jump-off mount, Kiana Van Het Herdershof. Having already gotten a feel for the track with Killer Queen VDM, Deusser precisely pinpointed what areas he needed to correct for the win and emerged victorious with a clean time of 33.36 seconds.

The Stephex Stables’ 12-year-old BWP mare (Toulon x Lys De Darmen) only began showing again in February of 2022 at WEF after a hiatus dating back to July 2021. The duo placed third in the $37,000 Bainbridge 1.45m CSI5* during WEF 5.

Deusser’s stablemate Petronella Andersson (SWE) produced a top ride for her weekend and slid into second place. She and the Stephex Stables’ 10-year-old KWPN mare Halita O (Eldorado VD Zeshoek x Heartbreaker) clocked in just over a second behind Deusser with a time of 34.87 seconds.

Belgium’s Jos Verlooy and FTS Killossery Konfusion (SIEC Livello x Cruising), a 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Eurohorse BVBA, finished up with a time of 34.34 seconds over the track to finish in third place.

Maria Costa Captures Home Team Win in $50,000 Palm Beach Equine Clinic Grand Prix CSI2*

The International Arena at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) closed out the week with the $50,000 Palm Beach Equine Clinic Grand Prix CSI2*. Forty-four horse-and-rider contenders competed for the opportunity to jump-off but only 12 managed to put forth a fault-free round one effort. Late in the order, 29-year-old Maria Costa (USA) put on the gas pedal and piloted her long-time partner Valentino V Z to win the class with a top time of 37.85.

“This might sound crazy, but I was on him for all of 30 seconds when I tried him, and I just knew I had to have him,” described Costa of her 13-year-old Zangersheide stallion (Verdi TN x Converter). “Our relationship is really special to me. I have had him since he was a seven-year-old, and it was certainly a rocky road in the beginning. We stayed super consistent with him. He is the type of horse that really appreciates consistency so about two years in he just kind of decided he liked it. Our bond has gotten to the point where I would comfortably ride into war on him. I always know he has my back and I have his, so I would have to say it is the most special connection I have ever had with a horse. I can’t imagine it ever getting better.”

Friday’s qualifying class winners, Fabio Leivas Da Costa (BRA) and Bonne Chance Farm LLC’s nine-year-old KWPN gelding Ilex (Baltic VDL x Chn Chin), had another impressive finish as they stepped into the second-place position with a time of 38.29 seconds. Charlotte Jacobs (USA) bookended the victory gallop aboard North Star’s nine-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding Rincoola Milsean. The combination came just one-tenth of a second short of Da Costa and finished in 38.41 seconds.

For more information and results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.

Competitions, Show Jumping

Daniel Deusser Dominates $75k Adequan WEF Challenge Cup Round VII CSI5*

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Daniel Deusser and Scuderia 1918 Tobago Z. © Sportfot.

Wellington, FL – February 24, 2022 – The seventh week of the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), sponsored by Lugano Diamonds, featured international five-star and two-star jumper competition on Thursday, February 24, at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, FL. Thursday’s highlight was the $75,000 Adequan® WEF Challenge Cup Round VII CSI5* which was won by Daniel Deusser (GER) and Scuderia 1918 Tobago Z.

Fifty-seven of the world’s elite show jumping combinations set out to contest Anthony D’Ambrosio’s (USA) first-round track in hopes that they would qualify for the jump-off and subsequently, the $406,000 Lugano Diamonds Grand Prix CSI5* on Saturday, February 26, at 7 p.m. Of the 18 nations represented in the opening field, only 10 combinations from six of those countries landed a spot for the short track. That field then went from 10 to nine returning as Sergio Alvarez Moya (ESP) made the decision to save his jumps for another day.

Ireland’s Shane Sweetnam led off the return field and immediately put out a challenge to the remaining riders as he and Alejandro, owned by Sweet Oak Farm, Spy Coast, and Seabrook, produced another clean round in 38.25 seconds. Always an exciting pair in a jump-off, Deusser and Scuderia 1918 Tobago Z entered third and overthrew Sweetnam by clocking in almost a second faster at 37.42 seconds. Those following put forward their best efforts but as the final horse stopped the clock, it was obvious Deusser and the 14-year-old Zangersheide stallion (Otangelo x Mr Blue) gelding had succeeded.

Ashley Vogel Victorious in $6,000 Palm Beach Equine Clinic 1.45m CSI2*

The International Arena welcomed 23 horse-and rider-combinations on Thursday morning to navigate a course set by Anthony D’Ambrosio (USA) for the $6,000 Palm Beach Equine Clinic 1.45m CSI2*.

With blue skies above, it was Ashley Vogel aboard Lucy In The Sky who donned the blue sash with a time of 62.65 seconds in the speed class as the fastest of seven clear rounds.

Already showing success at higher levels, Vogel intends to continue their partnership going forward. “In the last year and a half, I’ve gotten a lot of results on her, some speed classes and things, and now I’m starting to step up into some of the FEI classes and she’s really excelling,” she said. “I believe I’ll be doing some more speeds throughout circuit though, some 1.40m classes, some 1.45m, and hopefully we’ll see some more results and mileage for both of us, so I’m really excited for that.”

The second-place ribbon went to Quentin Judge (USA) riding HH Qualido owned by Double H Farm with a time of 63.01 seconds, and Maria Costa (USA) rounded out the top three on her own Iceman B SFN with a time of 66.58 seconds.

For more information and results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.

*Featured/Spotlights, Show Jumping

Equestrianism’s Finest Head to CHI Geneva for Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final and Rolex Grand Prix

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Geneva, Switzerland, Tuesday 7 December 2021 – The Concours Hippique International de Genève (CHI Geneva) returns to the Palexpo arena from 9-12 December for the 60th edition of the prestigious show. The Rolex Grand Prix and the Rolex International Jumping Riders Club (IJRC) Top 10 Final are notable highlights during four days of elite competition.

The partnership between Rolex and the Geneva International Horse Show was established in 1996, with 2021 marking the 25-year anniversary, and remains a key element of the brand’s long-standing commitment to equestrianism that dates back more than 60 years. Inaugurated in 1926, the event is among the most revered on the equestrian calendar, demonstrating an unwavering dedication to continuous improvement and quality that fits perfectly with Rolex’s own pursuit of perpetual excellence.

THE ROLEX GRAND PRIX

The competition will culminate on Sunday with the Rolex Grand Prix, one of the four Majors that form the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. As ever, it will be a showcase of the precision, bravery, and athleticism required by horse and rider, working in harmony to take on the challenge set by world-renowned course designers Gérard Lachat of Switzerland and Louis Konickx of the Netherlands.

The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, comprising The Dutch Masters, the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament, the CHIO Aachen, and the CHI Geneva, was initiated in 2013 and rewards a rider who wins three consecutive Grands Prix at these events. The most coveted prize in show jumping, it has been achieved by only one athlete, Scott Brash of Great Britain, whose epic feat began at Geneva in 2014 and was completed with victories at Aachen and Spruce Meadows in 2015.

Germany’s Daniel Deusser heads to Geneva as the current live contender for the Rolex Grand Slam following his exceptional performance at Aachen in September, taking victory aboard Killer Queen VDM.

THE ROLEX FAMILY OF TESTIMONEES

A strong roster of Rolex Testimonees will challenge Deusser for the Rolex Grand Prix title. Leading the way will be home favourites Martin Fuchs and Steve Guerdat.

Fuchs will be hoping to retain his crown following a successful year that has included team gold and individual silver medals at the European championships. The Swiss World No. 4 said: “CHI Geneva is particularly special for me as it’s my home Major and a show that I always want to do well at. Winning the Rolex Grand Prix in 2019 was an unbelievable feeling and I will be doing my very best to repeat my performance.”

Guerdat is a three-time winner (2006, 2013, and 2015) of the CHI Geneva Rolex Grand Prix, and was also victorious in the 2010 and 2018 Rolex IJRC Top 10 Finals. He heads to Palexpo with the prospect of securing a Rolex Grand Slam bonus after winning the CP ‘International’ at the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ earlier this year.

Brash, currently ranked No. 6 in the world, also understands the accuracy, courage, and determination required to win a Major, as does Kent Farrington, winner of this event in 2017 with his brilliant mare, Gazelle. France’s Kevin Staut and Brazil’s Rodrigo Pessoa join the roll of former winners looking to reclaim the title, while Ireland’s Bertram Allen and Great Britain’s Harry Charles will be seeking to add their names to this illustrious list.

THE ROLEX IJRC TOP 10 FINAL

In the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final, the world’s top 10 ranked riders compete against each other for the right to be crowned champion. The unique event, which in 2021 celebrates its 20th anniversary, has been supported by Rolex since its inauguration, and acknowledges the achievements of the best show jumpers over the course of the season.

Farrington will contest the 2021 edition as reigning champion, having ridden Austria 2 to victory in 2019. His second success – the American also triumphed in 2015 – marked the seventh consecutive win for a Rolex Testimonee in the event. He will be up against a strong contingent of in-form riders, including Deusser, Fuchs, Brash, Guerdat, and Staut.

IJRC Director Eleonora Ottaviani commented: “We are extremely proud to support this unique concept, bringing together the best riders in the world each year. As with the Nitto ATP Finals in tennis, the Top 10 Final is unparalleled in equestrian sport, producing the finest level of competition from the world’s best athletes. In 2021 we mark the 20th anniversary of the event, a testament to its long-standing success, made possible through the partnership with Rolex, a brand that has demonstrated a continuous and invaluable commitment to equestrianism for more than 60 years.”

Virginie Chevailler
Rolex SA
virginie.chevailler@rolex.com
+41 (0) 22 302 2619

Merrick Haydon
rEvolution
mhaydon@revolutionworld.com
+44 (0) 7748 186 833

Competitions, Show Jumping

Who to Look Out For at CHI Geneva 2021

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Martin Fuchs and Clooney 51 (Photo: CHI de Genève / scoopdyga.com)

After nearly two years of waiting, the highly anticipated CHI Geneva returns from 9-12 December, representing the fourth and final Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major of the year. The show will host an impressive number of world-class horse and rider combinations, including all of the current top 10-ranked riders, 17 of the current top 20, as well as featuring seven Rolex Testimonees. The show will celebrate its 60th edition, as well as the 20th anniversary of the IJRC Rolex Top 10 Final. As ever, CHI Geneva will be a truly international affair, with those riders competing representing 16 nations, and the home nation boasting a squad of 19.

After his remarkable maiden victory in the Rolex Grand Prix at CHIO Aachen in September, Live Contender and current world number two, Daniel Deusser, has confirmed his talented mare Killer Queen VDM will travel to the Swiss capital in his quest to continue his Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping journey. CHI Geneva, the pinnacle of the international indoor show jumping calendar for top riders, will once again provide one of the toughest tests in the sport when it culminates with the Rolex Grand Prix, which requires the highest level of talent and horsemanship in order to be crowned champion.

Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping – Rider Watch

Current world number one, Peder Fredricson from Sweden, looks incredibly competitive and the one to watch heading into the final Major of the year. The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Team champion has strength in depth in his talented team of horses, and will be the rider to beat in the Geneva Arena in front of the Palexpo’s knowledgeable crowds.

Fredricson’s compatriot, Henrik von Eckermann, played an integral role in Sweden’s Olympic success in Japan this summer. Currently ranked number two in the world, von Eckermann, who recently won the Nations Cup Final in Barcelona aboard his trusted partner, King Edward, will be aiming to add a Major win at CHI Geneva to his superb year.

Reigning Olympic Individual gold medallist, Ben Maher, will take his magnificently gifted gelding, Explosion W, to CHI Geneva. Winner of the Rolex Grand Prix at Royal Windsor Horse Show in May this year, the Briton will be looking to round off an exceptional 12 months with a win at 2021’s final Rolex Grand Slam Major.

Read more here.

© 2021 Rolex – Rolex Grand Slam

Competitions, Show Jumping

CHIO Aachen Highlights News Film

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Aachen, Germany, 20 September 2021 – The 2021 Rolex Grand Prix of CHIO Aachen was won by Daniel Deusser riding Killer Queen VDL. Second place went to Brian Moggre and third place to Gregory Wathelet. The German produced a masterful display on the final day of CHIO Aachen to capture the prestigious 5* Grand Prix, and in doing so, becomes the new Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping live contender.

The two-round competition saw 18 riders progress to the second round, 12 through on a zero score. These included Steve Guerdat, riding Venard de Cerisy, fresh from their victory in the previous Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major at CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’, as well as former Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping winner Scott Brash.

Seven horse and rider combinations produced faultless double clear rounds to head into a jump-off. Deusser, the current World No. 1, was first into the arena to face the final test against the clock, setting the pace with a stunning clear in a time of 41.85 seconds. Those to follow were unable to challenge Deusser, either failing to catch his time or amassing jumping faults. American young rider, Brian Moggre, came closest as last to go, putting in an impressive round, just 0.31 seconds slower than Deusser on 42.16, to finish in eventual second.

The Rolex Grand Prix at CHIO Aachen is the third of four equestrian Majors in 2021, which together form the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, considered to be the sport’s most demanding challenge. All eyes will now look ahead to the final instalment of the year at CHI Geneva in December.

The highlights film can be seen here:

FINAL RESULTS OF THE ROLEX GRAND PRIX

  1. Daniel Deusser (GER) riding Killer Queen VDM
  2. Brian Moggre (USA) riding Balou du Reventon
  3. Gregory Wathelet (BEL) riding Nevados S
  4. Ben Maher (GBR) riding Explosion W
  5. Laura Kraut (USA) riding Baloutinue
  6. Scott Brash (GBR) riding Hello Jefferson
  7. Jérôme Guery (BEL) riding Quel Homme de Hus
  8. Martin Fuchs (SUI) riding Leone Jei
  9. Gerrit Nieberg (GER) riding Ben 431
  10. Steve Guerdat (SUI) riding Venard de Cerisy

Virginie Chevailler
Rolex SA
virginie.chevailler@rolex.com
+41 (0) 22 302 2619

Merrick Haydon
rEvolution
mhaydon@revolutionworld.com
+44 (0) 7748 186 833

Competitions, Show Jumping

Daniel Deusser Wins Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen, Becomes New Rolex Grand Slam Live Contender

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(Photo: Rolex Grand Slam / Ashley Neuhof)

The world’s most distinguished show jumpers and their equine partners contested the highlight class of 2021’s edition of CHIO Aachen: the Rolex Grand Prix. The third Major of 2021’s Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, the 1m60 test, created by leading course designer, Frank Rothenberger, comprised 40 starters from 15 nations. Amongst them was current world number one, Daniel Deusser, current world number three, Martin Fuchs, winner of the 2021 CP ‘International’, Steve Guerdat, reigning Olympic Individual champion, Ben Maher, plus another 11 of the world’s current top 30-ranked riders.

The tense action played out in front of approximately 19,000 knowledgeable show jumping fans in CHIO Aachen’s Hauptstadion, a truly iconic stadium which also hosted the sport’s World Championships in 2006 and European Championships in 2015. The format was simple: following the Rolex Grand Prix’s first round, the best 18 riders would qualify for Round 2, with a jump-off triggered should any riders’ combined scores be tied. In the case of a jump-off, the rider with the fewest penalties and fastest time would be crowned champion.

Clear rounds combined with fast times saw three of the sport’s greatest riders comfortably progress to the second round: Great Britain’s Ben Maher and his 12-year-old megastar gelding, Explosion W; the first and only rider to win the Rolex Grand Slam, Scott Brash and his 12-year-old gelding, Hello Jefferson; and Steve Guerdat and his 12-year-old gelding, Venard de Cerisy. However, it was Mexico’s Patricio Pasquel who topped the leader board at the end of the first round, after he and his 14-year-old gelding, Babel, finished over two and a half seconds ahead of next fastest rider, America’s rising talent, Brian Moggre.

Other riders of note to make the cut of 18 included the sport’s current highest-ranked rider, Daniel “Double D” Deusser of Germany, Frenchman Kevin Staut, Martin Fuchs from Switzerland, winner of the Rolex Grand Slam Major at CHIO Aachen in 2017, Belgium’s Gregory Wathelet, and the next generation of show jumping talent, 22-year-old American rider Lucy Deslauriers and 23-year-old Sanne Thijssen from The Netherlands.

Consisting of 15 fences, and over a very slightly shorter course than the first, home favourite Deusser soon assumed control of the second round, the first of the 18 riders to go double clear. He was followed by Belgian, Jérôme Guery, confirming a jump-off would decide who would become the new Rolex Grand Slam Live Contender, after the last Major winner, Steve Guerdat, failed to record a clear round. Guery’s Tokyo 2020 Team bronze medal-winning teammate, Gregory Wathelet, started a procession of double clears, with Laura Kraut from the USA, Scott Brash, Ben Maher, and Brian Moggre all booking their places in the final showdown, thereby making it a seven-way jump-off.

First to go in the jump-off was Daniel Deusser and his 11-year-old mare, Killer Queen, meticulously navigating the nine-fence course and recording the first double clear. Deusser held on to top spot after Gregory Wathelet finished clear, but was over a second off his pace, while Scott Brash, Ben Maher, Laura Kraut, and Jérôme Guery all recorded faults. Last to go, Brian Moggre and his 15-year-old stallion, Balou du Reventon, were Deusser’s last remaining threat; however, despite an impressive clear round, the 20-year-old from Texas crossed the line 0.31s off Deusser’s time, which meant a new Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Live Contender was crowned.

On his first Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping Major victory, Deusser commented: “The Rolex Grand Slam is part of equestrian history. So far, I haven’t been in this position of winning one of these four Major Grands Prix, but I’m now looking forward to trying my best at the next three stages.”

On his partner, Balou du Reventon, runner-up Brian Moggre commented: “I really think our personality types are similar. I didn’t really give myself a chance to not get along with him, so I’m glad he liked me. We have just gone step by step, and he wants this just as much as I do. He’s a really competitive horse and I find myself a bit of a competitive rider, so we mesh well and I’m very thankful for him.”

Read more here.

© 2021 Rolex – Rolex Grand Slam

FEI, Show Jumping

German Olympian Daniel Deusser Takes Longines World Number One Slot

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Photo: Daniel Deusser. (FEI/Dirk Caremans)

Olympic bronze medallist Daniel Deusser (GER) is back in the number one spot in the Longines Rankings for the third time. He takes over at the top with a total of 3,385 points.

Deusser, a member of the German squad that took team bronze at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, was lying second at the end of the previous rankings period just 25 points behind 2012 Olympic champion, Steve Guerdat (SUI), who has held the position since February 2020.

Deusser is no stranger to being world number one. In 2017 he took over pole position from fellow-countryman Christian Ahlmann who had enjoyed a lengthy period at the top and in 2015, Deusser broke the 16-month reign of Scott Brash (GBR).

Based in Belgium, Deusser was part of the silver medal winning team at the Longines FEI European Championships 2019 in Rotterdam (NED), just pipped at the last fence by Belgium. He was also part of the silver medal winning teams at the European Championships in 2013 and 2015.

With his loyal stallion Cornet d’Amour, Deusser won the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final in Lyon (FRA) in 2014 and finished third in Gothenburg (SWE) in 2016.

As the equestrian calendar starts opening up again, the new rankings reflect some strong points-earning performances, with Switzerland’s Martin Fuchs staying in third position on 3,101, Ben Maher (GBR) up into fourth on 3,008 ahead of Kent Farrington (USA) and Scott Brash (GBR). Sweden’s Peder Fredricson has dropped from fourth to seventh, ahead of Ireland’s Darragh Kenny. McLain Ward (USA) and Marlon Modolo Zanotelli (BRA) make up the top 10 with just three points between them.

The full Longines Rankings list is published here.

Media contact:

Shannon Gibbons
Media Relations and Communications Manager
shannon.gibbons@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 46

*Featured/Spotlights, Show Jumping

Daniel Deusser Wins VDL Groep Prize

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Photo: Rolex Grand Slam / Peggy Schröder.

The VDL Groep Prize was the highlight of Day 1 of the 2021 edition of The Dutch Masters, and attracted 41 leading horse and rider partnerships, among them 13 of the world’s top-20-ranked show jumpers, including Swiss world number one and Rolex Testimonee, Steve Guerdat, world number six, Pieter Devos from Belgium, and American Rolex Testimonee, Kent Farrington, currently ranked seventh.

Local course designer, Louis Konickx, set a fair 13-obstacle 1m55 test in the Brabanthallen’s main arena, with 10 combinations eventually progressing to compete in the jump-off. Christian Kukuk from Germany and his grey gelding Checker 47 set the quickest first-round time of 71.29 seconds, and they were joined by riders from six different nations, including two local Dutch riders – Kim Emmen and Marc Houtzager – making it a truly international spectacle and final showdown.

Second to go, it was Emmen and her 12-year-old stallion, Jack van het Dennehof, who set the early pace; however, it was Rio 2016 team bronze medallist, Daniel “Double D” Deusser and his 12-year-old gelding, Casallvano, who ultimately proved too strong for her and the rest of the field, as they breezed around the seven-obstacle jump-off, fault-free in a time of 35.66 seconds to claim the honours.

Thrilled with his victory, the 40-year-old German commented, “Having walked the course, I was quite surprised that there were so many clear rounds. My strategy in the jump-off was to try and win the class. I have to say, all the lines and the turns worked out really well, so I’m absolutely delighted for my horse tonight.

“Casallvano is actually a really scopey horse. He’s a little bit shy when he comes into the ring, but that’s also a positive part of being very careful on the jumps. I have to say that although he’s a very fast horse, I had in the last one or two weeks a couple of turns that didn’t work out like I expected, and I finally came to that point today where everything works out, which makes me very proud.

“Considering the circumstances, it’s not normal that we can do our job at the moment. The organisation here and the sponsors did a great job to make that happen and let us ride again.

“I will ride Scuderia Tobago [Scuderia 1918 Tobago Z] in the Rolex Grand Prix on Sunday. He is in great shape and he had a couple of very good results in Wellington a couple of weeks ago, and I hope to continue in the same shape on Sunday.”

Read more here.

© 2021 Rolex – Rolex Grand Slam

Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Deusser Is Divine with Scuderia 1918 Tobago Z in $500k Rolex Grand Prix CSI5*

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Daniel Deusser (GER) and Scuderia 1918 Tobago Z © Sportfot.

Wellington, FL – March 26, 2021 – Extending an astonishing winning streak at the 2021 Winter Equestrian Festival, World Number Three rider Daniel Deusser (GER) showed once again why he’s one of the best, riding to the top of the $500,000 Rolex Grand Prix CSI5* with Scuderia 1918 Tobago Z, owned by Stephex Stables and Scuderia 1918.

Forty of the best riders in the world took to the grass Derby Field at Equestrian Village on a picture-perfect day for the feature class of the circuit. Eight pairs were clear in the first round to continue to the jump-off.

The first double clear in the jump-off came from Harrie Smolders (NED) and Bingo du Parc, owned by Copernicus Stables LLC. They set the time to beat at 36.74 seconds, which would hold up for third place.

Coming in just two-tenths of a second faster, Daniel Bluman (ISR) lowered the leading time to 36.54 seconds riding Gemma W, owned by Blue Star Investments and Over the Top Stables. Their fault-free performance would land them in second place.

With the fastest time of the jump-off in 34.94 seconds, two-time Olympic team gold medalist McLain Ward (USA) was by far the speediest with the Beechwood Stables, LLC-owned entry Contagious, but a costly rail in the ‘b’ element of the Rolex double combination dropped him to fourth place.

As the last to go in the jump-off, Deusser had the advantage of knowing the time to beat and used it to his advantage, coming in just under the winning time in 36.40 seconds.

Reutter Returns for Victory in $6,000 CabanaCoast 1.40m CSI2*

The day commenced with yet another two-star victory in the Global International Arena at Equestrian Village for Gabriela Reutter (CHI) and Atticus Diamant, this time in the $6,000 CabanaCoast 1.40m Jumpers CSI2*. Reutter was victorious in Thursday’s opening CSI2* speed class.

Reutter and the 2009 Selle Français gelding by Diamant De Semilly x Vas Y Donc Longane owned by Lumiere Horses Inc. bested a 10-horse-and-rider line-up to produce the fastest of five double-clear rounds. Clearing the jump-off timers in 26.75 seconds, Reutter explained that her plan was to approach the entire class as if it was a speed round.

“We worked on our pace in the warm-up,” she explained, “which is what we did last time as well. We didn’t jump as much because he knows his job. When we went in there, I tried to teach the entire track as a speed course, just because that seems to keep him thinking and on his toes, and I think he likes that, to be tested. I wanted to keep that momentum and the element of surprise, and it keeps me in the moment and really thinking about what our next move is.”

For more information and results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.