Release date: 02/06/2011 |    

The Hamburg event has begun with perfect weather bringing out the spectators, creating a picnic atmosphere that Hamburg is well-known for.  Tuesday's rain was well received adding a touch of softness to the arena grounds. Since then the sunny conditions have taken the top dew from the turfed arena providing perfect footing for show jumping today.  The perfectly manicured grounds are receiving positive comments from the riders.

Harrie Smolders (NED) pictured left; "It's the first time that I have been to this event and only seen it from the television.  It looks event better when you are here.  It is an impressive arena with the natural obstacles and the pleasant surrounds.  It will be an interesting weekend of jumping.  I have two horses here and I am looking forward to competing in the third round of the Global Champins Tour."

David McPherson from Great Britain was very positive about the conditions presented as he commented coming out of the arena in the 3* class. "The footing is excellent but you do need studs in the horse's shoes because of the turf. I was flying all over the place out there because the groom forgot the studs. It is a perfectly well presented event."

Irish rider, Mark MCCauley, who bases in Italy was also forthcoming with praise. "The surface is riding really well.  The rain they had on Tuesday certainly softened the ground and the sun over the last two days makes it ideal. All of the horses are jumping well off the gound.  The German women look quite nice, too!"

"The ground at the moment is very, very good" said Dutch rider Marc Houtzager.  (Pictured right) "With just the right number of competitors per class it should stand up to good conditions all weekend.  Hopefully there will not be any more rain and the Global Champions Tour event will be in prime positioning on the program." Marc has competed in each of the first two rounds of the Global Champions Tour this season and stands in 32nd place on the GCT ranking.

The Global Champions Tour first event on the program will be today at 13h00 with the event being available for viewers via Live Steaming on this website.