He did it again! The incredible John Whitaker wins GLOCK's CSI5* Grand Prix

The premiere staging of CSI5* tournament at the GLOCK HORSE PERFORMANCE CENTER reached its climax today as GLOCK's CSI5* Grand Prix became a show jumping thriller, with spectators thrown into a real emotional roller-coaster ride. Every last seat was taken in the tournament arena and the 44 participants’ rides brought goose-bumps to the packed ranks.
 
This international jumping competition over 1.60 m, with prize money amounting to 450,000 euros, demanded one hundred percent concentration from both horses and riders. The greatest challenges were the sequences of triple and double combinations along with a black upright as the last but one obstacle. Among others, the latter took its toll on GLOCK Rider Gerco Schröder (NED) and GLOCK's London, which had jumped so incredibly well to that point, only then to make a slip. After fault-free initial rounds, six participants qualified for the jump off and the excitement rose to an astonishing level.
 
For the last time this weekend, the competitors were called back to the GHPC arena in reversed order. You could have heard a pin drop during each individual ride and, as last year’s winner John Whitaker (GBR) and his twelve-year-old son of Arko II galloped into the course as the closing rider, this grand finale reached its highpoint. Daniel Deusser (GER), with First Class van Eeckelghem, was in the lead; the time to beat was 38.51 seconds.
 
Whitaker let Argento canter speedily from the start and, as soon as his hooves touched the ground again, he took him into turns. On the long finishing stretch toward the mighty GLOCK Oxer the two sped up their canter to leave the audience almost breathless! The clock stopped at 37.76 seconds and it became obvious: John Whitaker and Argento had been able to repeat their last year’s victory in the GLOCK's Grand Prix!  "I really did not expect to win again! But Argento likes Villach. I do hope things will continue like this,” said the experienced and delighted rider in the award ceremony.
 
Thus Daniel Deusser came second, Swedish rider Malin Baryard-Johnsson and her one-eyed stallion H&M Tornesch achieved a brilliant third place. (0/39.44).
 
A fantastic performance also by young rider Stefanie Bistan from Lower Austria. With her fantastic jumper Bogegaardens Apollonia she unfortunately took down one rail and came in ninth as best Austrian rider in what was a truly difficult competition.

Competition 06: GLOCK's 5* GRAND PRIX
Int. jumping competition with jump off 1.60 m
Competition counts for the LONGINES Ranking list
1. Argento - Whitaker John (GBR) 0 - 37.76 sec - jump-off
2. First Class van Eeckelghem - Deusser Daniel (GER) 0 - 38.51 sec - jump-off
3. H&M Tornesch 1042 - Baryard-Johnsson Malin (SWE) 0 - 39.44 sec - jump-off
4. Nougat du Vallet - Dinan Katherine A. (USA) 0 - 39.47 sec - jump-off
5. Atlanta - Michaels-Beerbaum Meredith (GER) 0 - 40.21 sec - jump-off
6. USA Today - Whitaker Robert (GBR) 8 - 39.75 sec - jump-off
7. Cornet's Cristallo - Kutscher Marco (GER) 4 - 74.52 sec
8. Antares F - Mändli Beat (SUI) 4 - 75.90 sec
9. Bogegaardens Apollonia - Bistan Stefanie (AUT/NÖ) 4 - 75.96 sec
10.Albfuehren's Paille - Guerdat Steve (SUI) 4 - 76.15 sec
11.Opera des Loges - Angot Reynald (FRA) 4 - 76.34 sec
12.Casello - Lindelöw Douglas (SWE) 4 - 76.68 sec
Result

John Whitaker (GBR) and Argento succeeded impressively in defending their title. © Arnd Bronkhorst

German champion Daniel Deusser and First Class van Eeckelghem thrilled the audience (2nd place). © Michael Rzepa

H&M Tornesch has only one eye but still fully trusts his rider Malin Baryard-Johnsson (SWE) over the course (3rd place). © Arnd Bronkhorst

The youngest Austrian rider was also the best of our team. Stefanie Bistan (AUT/NÖ) and Bogegaardens Apollonia shone in ninth place. © Michael Rzepa

Lots of people! © Arnd Bronkhorst