Source:  GCT

Van Asten wins Mercedes Benz Two Phase

Provo Mercedes Benz 1.45m two Phase

Just like the premium Mercedes CLS sports model the competitors in this two- phase class pushed their horses to new levels with classy performances over the 13 obstacles.

The competition netted Dutch winner Leopold van Asten a purse of 7,360 euros. Riding VDL Groep Ameilie. (pictured above) Leopold chased down Swiss rider Janiker Sprunger’s time of 27.20, set three horses earlier with Margrete Kahny's 'JL's Komparse'. Her time was good enough to remain in second place.

The first phase was significant in height, particularly through the treble combination with the final vertical element at 1.50m.

It was the vertical to vertical (fence 8 to 9) that caused the most difficulties in the second phase. Loss of traction while negotiating the tight left hand turn up, resulted in many becoming unbalanced and slipping on approach to fence 9.

Pictured Below: Janiker Sprunger riding JL's Comparse



Christian Ahlmann (GER) fell over with his reigning World Cup champion Taloubet Z but was able to walk away unscathed.

Consequently riders gave more attention to assisting in balance on the turn and of course large studs were the order of the day.

Brazilian Rodrigo Pessoa once again set out to win the class with the in-form Palouchon de Ligny. They previously had won a class on the first day of competition. The concerted effort was not enough to better Janika's time and they concluded the class in 5th place.

French rider Julien Epaillard, who rode directly following Janika, was clear with a time of 27.63 on the Cathargo bred Nouma D'Auzey resulting in 4th position overall.

Out on course late in the draw was Swiss rider Pius Schwizer who maintained his high score rate with Ulysse (having won the 1.50m feature class the prior day) claiming the 3rd position with a time of 27.57.

Quotes

Winner Leopold van Asten (Netherlands) pictured below



Commenting on his win

I saw the first two riders go in the class and then I had to get onto my horse. As I came down the path to enter the arena I saw Rodrigo go with his fast horse. He had to hold in the area that was causing difficulties but in my opinion he was fast yet came out only in 3rd place. I had nothing to lose.

My mare slipped both in front and then behind between fence 8 and 9 in the second phase, but luckily she recovered and continued to go well. She did a very good job and good enough for the win today.

On the mare Amelie

I have been riding this 12 year old mare by Luidam for two and a half years now. She is very competitive in these types of classes with enough jumping ability and can be very fast. Of course she is very capable of doing bigger classes and is a very nice horse all round.

Runner up Janika Sprunger (Switzerland)

Commenting on the competition

I saw one or two riders go from the screen at the practice arena. My horse is very careful and fast and I was hoping for a good result. Yesterday I had a stupid rail yet I was going very fast and ready for the class. Today I could not be so unlucky again so I put in all efforts.

My horse was trying very hard and I ended up not so far from the eventual winner, just .09 of a second.

I was very happy with the runner-up spot. There are not so many classes down here in Estoril. It is a long way to travel and I am glad that I am not going home with empty hands.

Photo credit: Stefano Grasso