It was the young Belgian rider Nicolas Philippaerts, together with Carlos VHPZ, who wrote himself into the history books as the youngest winner ever in the Longines Falsterbo Grand Prix.

Among the 44 horses and riders who went the first round, only six riders made a clear round. Additionally to these five, another five riders with four faults and the fastest times, continued to the jump-off. The end result was calculated upon the total faults in the first and second round, plus the time in the jump-off.

When the jump off’s only Swedish rider, Peder Fredricson with H & M Cash In, did an extremely quick, clear round and went into the lead, the audience’s cheers was deafening. The two riders after him in the staring order managed to ride even faster. First American woman Brianna Goutal, with Nice They Prissey, and of course the winner of the day: Nicola Philippaerts.

Today’s Falsterbo bunny jumping, that took place at the big international showjumping arena, was an international quarrel between Great Britain and Sweden. In this class they were assessed by “assessment C” in which any faults gives two penalty seconds. There were two rabbits in each team and it was the total time that counted.

Starting country was Swedish Angelica Augustsson and her “wild card” rabbit Grenens Moryo. When being young, Angelica Augustsson had rabbits, and despite that fact, this was her first start ina bunny jumping competition. The team had an impressive round with the time 10.2 seconds.

Second to start it was Britain’s William Funnell and his team mate “Flamencos Great Champion Golden Jubilee”. This too, was a debut for William Funnell, even though it was hard to believe when they took of in full speed over the fences. The clock stopped at 11.13 seconds.

Third rabbit and “rider” Sveriges Linda Heed have had alot of experience in the field of bunny jumping, and with this under her sleeve, high expectations were set. But her rabbit Amores Grand Champion Perspicious wasn’t really “on the aids” and clearly would rather be a part of the audience than in the ring. After some discussions they finally finished on 41 seconds.

The last rabbit and his “rider” Robert Smith had therefor no pressure, and sunday-strolled themselves to the finish line. The rabbit Rappedalens Pistagenöt and Robert showed great technique and talent, and it is without exaggerating we can say; They both have a golden future together!

Congratulations Grat Britain!

In today Exquis FEI Grand Prix Kür yesterday’s winner Isabell Werth with El Santo NRW, had to stand back for Sweden’s Patrik Kittel and his chestnut stallion Watermill Scandic HBC.

Patrik Kittel rode to his brand new freestyle music by Billy Idol. Patrik reveals that he had thought for a long thought to use Billy Idol music, since it makes to pump up the volume. And if it makes him doing this, Imagine what it does to others. Today it was clearly noticable what it did; it gave him the victory to the fantastic points of  79.100 percent. Still, Patrick said that there a few steps to go before Scandic really hits the Olympic form.

Isabell Werth, finished at 78.825 percent. Isabell explained afterwards that she lost focus at the end of the program. She made a comparison with what often happens to show jumpers – “They tend to relax when they think it is the end of their round, and this is what happened to me”.

On a third place and 73,000 procent, was Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfvén with her old star Favourit.

Many of the Falsterbo visitors were missing the very popular show class ‘Ride & Drive’ last year. Now Ride and Drive is back in business, and this time as Mercedes-Benz Ride & Drive.

Ride & Drive equals both horses and show, when it is at it’s best: riders who competes against each other and the clock, by jumping a short course and directly after that driving a course at the fastest speed. Do we need to say it’s a Mercedes that is the car in focus?

To watch Mercedes-Benz Ride & Drive, be at the International show jumping arena on Sunday, 15th july.