Release date: 12/08/2011 |    

Winner Maikel van der Vleuten (NED) was presented the trophy by his sponsor VDL Groep Director Wim van der Leegte

Big Tour CSI5* 1m50

Twenty three of the 45 starters created a very speedy and exciting contest in the Big Tour.  Considering it was the first day there was no holding back as they got faster and faster as the jump-off list went on.

Denis Lynch (IRL) bettered the first seven posting a 34.56 seconds with Night Train (below) with a very accurate and tight track over the 8 efforts presented.

There didn’t appear to be any room from which to cover a shorter track and it came down to pure speed.

Maikel van der Vleuten (NED) rounded up Lynch with a flat out gallop to the last with the Mr Blue bred mare VDL Groep Sapphire B (above) finishing just ahead with a time of 34.44.

Irish rider Mark McAuley, last on course, pulled out all stop and was quicker over the last line to the last yet home in 35.13 second on Loriat. (above and below) Third place but very happy supportive sponsors who were enjoying the moment from the VIP area along with 500 other guests. “It is always great to have your sponsors enjoying the sport and I am glad that we went well,” Mark commented. “I was fast to the last but I think lost the class from fence 2-3 where I need to cut a stride and believe I would have been quicker if I had done this.”

Going into the jump-off Maikel was not so sure where he could be faster. “There was no room for taking a shorter line anywhere as Denis is very quick.  To the last I just kept going.  This mare is very, very fast by herself. “ Maikel said adding, “I think between 2 and 3 we won the class. We already jumped to the left of 2 and were already turning.  She does not lose an inch of time over a jump either.”

Photo Credits: Stefano Grasso/GCT