Home Hero Richard Vogel Claims Rolex Grand Prix at TSCHIO Aachen
Richard Vogel and United Touch S ©Rolex Grand Slam/Tom Lovelock
In bright afternoon sunshine, TSCHIO Aachen drew to a fitting close as 40 of the world’s leading horse and rider combinations entered the iconic Main Stadium for the Rolex Grand Prix. The outstanding field reflected the exceptional calibre of this special edition, and featured 21 of the world’s top 25 riders, including current Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping live contender and home favourite Richard Vogel.
The Frank Rothenberger-designed course was typically imposing, set at full height and providing a true examination of scope, stamina, and precision. Held over two rounds, with a jump-off if riders were tied on penalties, the Rolex Grand Prix at TSCHIO Aachen is one of the sport’s most demanding tests, requiring not only athleticism and courage, but the highest level of trust and harmony between horse and rider.
The first to master the track was World No. 1, Kent Farrington, who delivered a superb round aboard his talented mare, Greya. Reigning World Champion Henrik von Eckermann, last year’s runner-up Laura Kraut, young French talent Nina Mallevaey, and Rolex Grand Slam Major winner Willem Greve each followed with faultless performances, before defending champion Martin Fuchs, Sophie Hinners, and Richard Vogel also secured their places in the second round.
Late in the draw, José María Larocca Jr., Lillie Keenan, and Daniel Deusser added their names to the list, bringing the total number of first-round clears to 11. With the top 18 combinations progressing, Ireland’s Darragh Kenny advanced with a single time penalty, while Steve Guerdat, Luciana Diniz, Shane Sweetnam, Daniel Coyle, Ben Maher, and André Thieme kept themselves firmly in contention on four faults.
Returning in reverse order of merit from the first round, Shane Sweetnam was the first to re-enter the Main Stadium and produced an impressive second round to remain on a four-fault total. As the class progressed, Sophie Hinners, Richard Vogel, and José María Larocca Jr. proved the only combinations able to remain faultless across both rounds, setting up a three-way jump-off for the Rolex Grand Prix title.
Much to the delight of the home crowd, Hinners set the standard in the jump-off with a clear round in a time of 51.62 seconds, placing the pressure firmly on the remaining two riders. Vogel was next to return with the exceptional and huge-striding United Touch S. The combination produced a breathtaking round to take more than six seconds off his compatriot’s time. Only Argentina’s José María Larocca Jr. remained, and although he delivered a fast clear, he could not match the pace set by Vogel and finished an eventful second place.
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