John Whitaker wins in the GLOCK’s Grand Prix Qualification
Presenting show jumping of the very highest standard today were 46 duos participating in the first of a total of four Longines world ranking jumping competitions at the GLOCK HORSE PERFORMANCE CENTER. The CSI3* GLOCK’s Perfection Tour course over 1.50 m extended over two rounds, with all fault-free riders qualifying for the second round.
Here it was really exciting right from the start, because the very first to go through the gates was twice GLOCK’s Grand Prix winner John Whitaker (GBR), the most successful show-jumping rider of all time. The British rider and his good-natured,13-year-old stallion Argento, went on the attack from the first pace at gallop, executed each jump with perfection and set a benchmark of 43.49 seconds, which remained unbeaten to the last. At the winner’s interview, John Whitaker made his objectives for the remainder of the weekend perfectly clear: „Tomorrow Argento has a rest and, on Sunday, we hope to win the GLOCK’s CSI3* Grand Prix again.“
An objective sure also to be in the sights of Paul Estermann from Switzerland. Riding his also 13-year-old, Irish-reared mare Castlefield Eclipse, his fate was to be pipped to the post by less than half a second, achieving second place in 43.91 seconds.
Also completing a pretty fast round was Marco Kutscher (GER). This double bronze medal winner at the Olympic Games, on Balance, the eleven-year-old son of Baloubet du Rouet, also sped through the tournament arena of the GLOCK HORSE PERFORMANCE CENTER in a fault-free 44.31 seconds and was rewarded for his efforts with third place.
GLOCK Rider Gerco Schröder (NED) and twelve-year-old Holsteiner GLOCK’s Cognac Champblanc gave an outstanding performance. Both in the first and in the second round, this progeny of Clearway jumped simply superbly and, through measured riding effort with a time of 46.62 seconds, the GLOCK dream team ultimately secured eighth place.
Once again, the best Austrian was Jürgen Krackow from Salzburg. In the saddle on Ailonka, during the second round he conceded one knockdown, but his time of 45.46 seconds was more than adequate for twelfth place.
12 – CSI3* GLOCK’s PERFECTION TOUR
Int. Springprüfung mit 2 Umläufen – 1,50 m
Counting for the Longines World Ranking List
1. Argento – Whitaker John (GBR) 0/43,49 sec
2. Castlefield Eclipse – Estermann Paul (SUI) 0/43,91 sec
3. Balance – Kutscher Marco (GER) 0/44,31 sec
4. USA Today – Whitaker Robert (GBR) 0/44,33 sec
5. Colorit – Will David (GER) 0/44,79 sec
6. Uzo van het Hobos Z – Fuchs Martin (SUI) 0/45,50 sec
7. Echo van T Spieveld – Bruynseels Niels (BEL) 0/46,15 sec
8. Glock’s Cognac Champblanc – Schröder Gerco (NED) 0/46,62 sec
9. Cannavaro 17 – Coata Simone (ITA) 0/48,43 sec
10. Bas – Aufrecht Pia-Luise (GER) 0/50,82 sec
11. Caesario 6 – Garofalo Giampiero (ITA) 4/41,86 sec
12. Ailonka – Krackow Jürgen (AUT/S) 4/45,46 sec
Link to result
GLOCK Perfection meets equestrian sports
The classiness and very special flair of the events at the GLOCK HORSE PERFORMANCE CENTER are internationally renowned and bear the personal signature of managing director Kathrin Glock. On site, for the duration of four days, a truly magical world can be experienced by both active sportspeople and visitors: the breathtaking design of the Riders Lounge, exquisite food and cocktails, intoxicating live acts by show stars and moving charity activities on behalf of people and animals in need.
GLOCK’s entertainment in the Riders Lounge
The motto “Horses and Stars” stands for GLOCK-style high class entertainment, and guests in the exclusive Riders Lounge can look forward to:
● Gourmet entertainment
● Wellness Lounge (manicure, pedicure, massage)
● Styling Lounge with star stylist Eren Bektas and his team
● Kids Lounge with creative carers
● Cinema Lounge for small cinema fans
● Dog Wellness – the very finest dog massage with Manfred Kellenc
● Live coverage from the tournament hall
● International top-class show acts
Day tickets for Saturday and Sunday are available for 300 euros per day per person.
Day ticket info: +43 664 88 73 44 01
Cooking Lounge
Once again, German star chef Alfons Schuhbeck will be delighting all in his Cooking Lounge at the GLOCK HORSE PERFORMANCE CENTER. All tournament guests enjoy free entry here. The cooking shows take place on Fri and Sat at 11am, 2pm and 5pm and on Sunday at 11am and 2pm.
Free entry to the tournament hall
There is free entry to the spectator grandstand in the tournament hall every day. At the Public Lounge, day-guests can enjoy public viewing, exclusive catering and a supervised Kids Corner. The dogs aren’t forgotten either: at the Dog Lounge there are plenty of treats for our faithful friends.
Fully informed
You can find all the information about the competitions, daily summaries, many photos and news as well as the live stream of International Show Jumping at the GLOCK HORSE PERFORMANCE CENTER at www.ghpc.at
INFOBOX
What: International Show Jumping
When: 29/01 – 01/02/2015
Where: GLOCK HORSE PERFORMANCE CENTER Treffen Nr. Villach
VIP day tickets for Saturday and Sunday: 300 euros per day per person
on +43 664 887 344 01
Free entry to all competitive events at the spectator grandstand in the tournament hall
