Friday, 01 May 2015 World Cup™ Finals Las Vegas

Thrilling finale for Gerco and GLOCK’s Cognac Champblanc

From April 15th till 19th, the world elite of show-jumping riders met in Las Vegas (USA) for the big Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Finale. Thanks to his magnificent performance in qualifying, GLOCK rider Gerco Schroeder also qualified for the mega event in the desert city. And for this important tournament, he relied on the twelve-year-old Holstein gelding GLOCK's Cognac Champblanc.

After a long flight and arrival in Las Vegas, all of the horses had to go into quarantine for three days and, during this time, GLOCK's Cognac Champblanc enjoyed several walks with GLOCK Groom Lulu. On Wednesday (15th of April, 2015) the GLOCK dream team was allowed to test the conditions in the Thomas & Mack Arena for the first time. 'Cognac' showed best form and was also able to prove it on Thursday (16th of April) in the first test.

In the demanding jumping competition against the clock over 1.50 metres, the powerful grey horse didn’t touch any of the bars and Gerco was happy with 18th place. The second test on Friday (17th of April) took participants over a 1.50/1.60 metres course with jump-off and Gerco succeeded in reaching 15th place with 'Cognac'.

After one day of break, the big finale took place on Sunday (April 19th). Two rounds over 1.60 metres were to be overcome and, here too, the GLOCK duo got everything right. With an excellent first round, GLOCK rider Gerco got the ticket for the decision in round two. Here he and GLOCK's Cognac Champblanc shone and were the only duo to make the course without penalties at the obstacles.

This outstanding performance took the GLOCK duo Gerco and 'Cognac' to an excellent 12th place in their first joint world cup finals.

Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final I results »
Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final II results »
Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final III results »

Arrived safely! GLOCK’s Cognac Champblanc is cared for around the clock by GLOCK Groom Lulu. © GHPC

During quarantine, the horse may only be visited by people wearing ‘astronaut’ outfits. Team GLOCK is always there! © GHPC

She is always with her loved-ones: GLOCK groom Lulu with GLOCK’s Cognac Champblanc. © GHPC

The World Cup Finals can begin! Anna Visser with GLOCK's Flirt and Hans Peter Minderhoud, Nicole Werner, GLOCK's Undercover and Edward Gal with Vanessa Ruiter, GLOCK's Cognac Champblanc and Gerco Schroeder with Ludivine Etore. © Arnd Bronkhorst

Dream weather in Las Vegas and GLOCK’s Cognac Champblanc is allowed to have a first glance at the tournament area. © GHPC

Team GLOCK in Las Vegas: GLOCK rider Hans Peter Minderhoud, GLOCK trainer Nicole Werner, GLOCK rider Gerco Schroeder and GLOCK rider Edward Gal. © Arnd Bronkhorst

Pure concentration: GLOCK rider Gerco Schroeder and GLOCK's Cognac Champblanc in their first training in Las Vegas. © Arnd Bronkhorst

A fantastic horse with a fantastic rider: GLOCK's Cognac Champblanc and GLOCK Rider Gerco Schroeder. © Arnd Bronkhorst

All OK at the vet check! Gerco and Cognac taking a walk in Las Vegas. © Arnd Bronkhorst

Which line might be the best for the finale? GLOCK rider Gerco Schroeder discussing with Beezie Madden. © Arnd Bronkhorst

GLOCK’s Cognac Champlanc giving everything for Gerco! © Arnd Bronkhorst

Full House at the Thomas & Mack Arena in Las Vegas! © Arnd Bronkhorst

Gerco and GLOCK’s Cognac Champblanc executed a sensational penalty-free round in the world-cup finals. © Arnd Bronkhorst

The truck that takes all world cup horses to the airport. © GHPC

Home at last! GLOCK’s Cognac Champblanc awaits a thick bed of straw, a lot of hay and a pile of carrots. © GHPC