Germany’s Richard Vogel, who won the first leg of the Rolex Grand Slam at Geneva in December with United Touch S, scored another big victory with this fabulous horse Saturday at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Fla.
Richard Vogel and United Touch S (Sportfot photo)
The top three in placings of the $385,000 5-star Lugano Diamonds grand prix are all ranked among the top 12 in the world. Richard, a great talent with a horse to match, is number 11 and will be going much higher. He had the advantage of being last to go in a four-horse jump-off over a route set by Anthony D’Ambrosio and Andy Christiansen. Richard’s time of 42.04 seconds edged world number eight, McLain Ward of the U.S., who finished fault-free in 42.39 seconds on Callas.
Shane Sweetnam of Ireland, who is ranked 12th in the world, was third on the reliable James Kann Cruz in 43.53 seconds, Fourth was Darragh Kenny, winner of the last WEF 5-star, who this time was on VDL Cartello (46.14 seconds).
Before the tie-breaker, Richard realized his place in the starting order gave him a big advantage.
“I was very lucky that I went behind all three of these guys, and I knew I had to risk it all,” said Vogel.
“If I had a rail, I was fourth and if I was a slow clear, I was fourth so there was not so much to lose.
At only 26 years old, Vogel knows he is blessed to compete on United Touch (UntouchedXTouch of Class/Lux Z).
“It’s a very, very special feeling,” noted Vogel of his time spent with the 12-year-old Westfalian he has ridden for nearly two years.
“I have been lucky enough to ride a lot of good horses in my life, but he’s outstanding. When he leaves the ground, that power and scope is something very unique and I’m very happy to be in his saddle.”