The battle for the 1.40m VHO Trophy was a thrilling one and had the audience on the edge of their seats. Don Diablo HX, debutant in the VHO Trophy, prevailed!

Three out of seven stallions placed themselves for the jump-off: Durango VDL, Don Diablo HX and Baltic VDL. Durango VDL stands out with his impressive manner of jumping and his scope, always opening the hindquarter. Lennard de Boer steadily steered the gray through the course, but via his big canter the combination set a fast time (39.75). In a thrilling jump-off, Michel Hendrix and Don Diablo HX beat this by only 0.11 seconds (39.64).

The eager chestnut does not mind tight turns, is quick and looks and evaluate the jumps. For one moment it seemed that the experience of Baltic VDL and James Billington would turn the tides. Billington guided the scopey bay smoothly and quickly over the fences, the duo clearly put in a hundred percent. But the last jump proved it’s not over till it’s over: Baltic lightly touched the fence and had to note 4 faults. Although almost a full second faster (38.73), Baltic hereby had to bow his head for the talented and careful Don Diablo HX.