Francois Mathy Jr. secures his start in the GLOCK’s 3* Grand Prix

Today for the first time participants could gather valuable points for the Longines FEI World Ranking List by contesting the CSI3* GLOCK’s Perfection Tour at the Glock Horse Performance Center. Furthermore the show-jumping test over 1.50 m in two rounds also counted as first qualification for the GLOCK’s 3* Grand Prix on Sunday with a prize money totalling 100,000 euros.

Forty-seven top-notch duos faced the challenge and all penalty-free riders competed for victory in the decisive second round. Up to the 13th of 15 duos, the leadership changed continuously. But then the winner of yesterday’s opening competition, Francois Mathy Jr (BEL) in the saddle of 13-year-old BWP gelding D’Atlantique Royale, delivered the absolute best time of 38.16 seconds. “My horse jumped outstandingly. Since I’ll be riding him on Sunday in the Grand Prix, tomorrow he’ll have a day off”, said the likeable winner. “I’d like to thank the Gaston and Kathrin Glock family for offering such perfect conditions in a unique atmosphere. I look forward to coming back.”

The just 17-year-old great talent Sanne Thijssen (NED) came quite close to Francois’ time, just like yesterday. With her nimble KWPN mare Warette, having a withers height of just 1.64 m, she secured second place in 38.16 seconds. Third place went to German rider Marc Bettinger in the saddle of Barino in a penalty-free time of 38.37 seconds.

World Championship participant Markus Saurugg (AUT/St) and his daughter of Acorado, Texas I, also remained penalty-free in the GLOCK’s Perfection Tour and secured fifth place. Gerfried Puck (AUT/St) finished the competition with nine-year-old Pokerface in ninth place (4/38.95).

12 - CSI3* GLOCK’s PERFECTION TOUR
Int. jumping competition over 2 rounds 1.50 m
1st Qualifier for the GLOCK’s 3* GRAND PRIX
This competition counts for LONGINES Ranking List
1. D’Atlantique Royale - Mathy, Francois Jr. (BEL) 0/36.90 round 2
2. Warette - Thijssen, Sanne (NED) 0/38.16 round 2
3. Barino - Bettinger, Marc (GER) 0/38.37 round 2
4. Cas 2 - Hanley, Cameron (IRL) 0/39.87 round 2
5. Texas I - Saurugg, Markus (AUT/St) 0/41.08 round 2
6. Equita van’t Zorgvliet - Ekberg, Jonna (SWE) 0/41.63 round 2
7. Willemijn HL - Verhagen, Charlotte (NED) 0/42.15 round 2
8. Dakota v.Schuttershof - Bruggink, Gert Jan (NED) 4/37.47 round 2
9. Poker Face - Puck, Gerfried (AUT/St) 4/38.95 round 2
10.Cayen van het Hobos - Cox, Karel (BEL) 4/39.21 round 2
11.Tiny Toon Semilly - Mordasini, Charlotte (SWE) 4/39.51 round 2
12.Ravisante de Pleville - Schoch, Faye (SUI) 4/43.24 round 2
Link to results

Following his victory in the qualification, Francois Mathy Jr. (BEL), along with D’Atlantique Royale, counts among the favourites for the GLOCK’s 3* Grand Prix. © Michael Rzepa

Seventeen-year-old Sanne Thijssen (NED) and her Warette took second place in the CSI3* GLOCK’s Perfection Tour. © Michael Rzepa

Marc Bettinger (GER) and Barino secured third place in the CSI3* GLOCK’s Perfection Tour. © Michael Rzepa

Great result for Markus Saurugg (AUT/St) and Texas: fifth place in the CSI3* GLOCK’s Perfection Tour. © Michael Rzepa

Gerfried Puck (AUT/St) and his Pokerface came ninth in the CSI3* GLOCK’s Perfection Tour. © Michael Rzepa

Francois Mathy Jr. (BEL) was able to accept a GLOCK’s winner’s trophy for the second time this weekend. © GHPC / studiohorst