One Aachen horse show is never enough. So there are two this year.
Strictly speaking, the second show in Germany is actually the multi-discipline FEI world championships in August, but this weekend, Aachen is hosting an all-jumper competition with the Rolex Grand Prix as the highlight. The first qualifier for Sunday’s finale began Friday, with 49 riders entered in a one-round, 1.55-meter competition against the clock. The top placing belonged to Ireland’s Danie Coyle and the speedy Farrel.
They were timed in 70.99 seconds for a fault-free trip over the 1.55-meter test set by the venue’s course designer, Frank Rothenburger. Luciana Diniz of Brazil was second with Vertigo du Desert in 71.47.
“This is a really nice way to start the weekend,” said Daniel after his victory.
“To win the first qualification class is not something that always happens. In speed classes, you often need a little bit of luck – which I had – and that is very normal. The best riders in the world are here, and today I was fortunate to come out on top. Farrel, is now 16 years, and I have had him since he was seven. He has gone through every level with me and been incredible. He is like a best friend. When I need help, he is always there, and today we needed to qualify, so he really stepped up.”
The highest-placed U.S. rider was McLain Ward on a newer mount, Lestro VD Valckenborg, tenth with a time of 73.15. Next best from the U.S. was Lillie Keenan aboard Kick On in twentieth place (75.99)
With two more days of jumping to come, World Cup champion Kent Farrington on the incredible Greya didn’t pull out all the stops, so he wound up twenty-fifth in 78.30. Laura Kraut had a rail with Bisquetta to be thirty-first, while Aaron Vale was slower with a rail on Carissimo 25 to stand thirty-fourth.
Karl Cook had an uncharacteristic three rails with his star, Caraole de la Roque, and finished forty-seventh.
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