19-year-old Gavin Harley won the first Grand Prix of the Autumn MET in Oliva Nova on Sunday. In the world rankings event, which boasts prize money of 30,000 euros, the Irish rider completed the jump-off of the challenging test in a fault-free 46.60 seconds with his horse Understone van de Kapel. 64 pairs of riders and horses competed in the test, but only 17 of them managed to reach the jump-off.
The youngster was clearly delighted with the result. “I was here in Oliva Nova last year and came second”. Then followed a swathe of compliments to the horse: “Understone is one of the best and fastest horses I’ve ever had the privilege to ride”. Behind Harley came two Belgians in a row, Jerome Guery and Constant van Paesschen. Guery rode Boyfriend de Seigneur into second place, whilst third place went to van Peasschen and Carlow va de Helle. Fourth in the Longines Ranking test was Rene Tebbel with Forlap. Coach for the Ukraine, Tebbel is already focussing on the 2016 Rio Olympics. The Autumn MET forms an integral part of the preparations for this major goal next year.
It is for that reason that Tebbel has brought top horse Cooper with him to the Mediterranean, and he is enjoying the MET immensely. “I love the big grass arena here, it is a dream to ride on”, enthused the former German Master from Emsbüren. And the opportunity to ride on it will continue until 8th November.
The Autumn MET in Oliva Nova is available as a livestream.
Results are available at www.horse-timing.com.
www.mediterranean-equestrian-tour.net.
Source: Press release
