The Oregon Trophy had the Brabanthallen shaking to its foundations yesterday as the Harness Stallions put up a fight for this prestigious title. Six stallions went all out for the victory, but it was Delviro HBC who won, for the first time in his career here in the Brabanthallen and to the great happiness of his driver Harry van Middelaar.

The jury took a long time to take a decision between Delviro HBC (Vulcano), Eebert, Patijn-son Fantijn and Dylano in the second round. Eventually, it declared the black, consistent Delviro HBC as the winner. Delviro HBC displayed a lot of impulsion from nose to tail. Harry van Middelaar responds: “To win the Oregon Trophy was on top of my bucket list. I had never won it until now, but I came very close a few times before. This is absolutely fantastic!” What an impressive forehand and powerful strides were showcased by the new champion. The new challenge for Harry van Middelaar, who will soon take over the stud farm of HBC Stables, could not have been launched in a better way!

Last year’s winner, the impressive Eebert (by Atleet), was a well-matched competitor of Delviro, showing an abundant elevated forehand and beautiful reach in the front leg. Lambertus Huckriede and the proud stallion were placed second. Driven by Mark de Groot, the always elegant Dylano (by Plain’s Liberator) performed really well, but was not able to uphold this level throughout the entire competition. The youngest of the big shots, Fantijn and Robbie van Dijk were placed fourth, followed by Ditisem (by Roy M) with Albert Lueks and Atleet (by Patijn) with Sanne Welling. The differences were small, what a battle and what a spectacular show!