Tonight, Dakar VDL added is name to the prestigious list of VHO Trophy winners. Don Diablo HX took revenge after his second place last year and won the Grand Prix of Den Bosch.

Four combinations placed themselves for the jump-off in the VHO Trophy and when Jur Vrieling and Zoï Snels are amongst the riders, you know things will get exciting. Rob Heijligers entered the rings first with his Vleut-son. Fire (bred by K. de Vries from Midwolde, owned by L. van Berkel from Waalre) showed his fire indeed as he speeded through the course. The eager stallion set a clear round in a fast time of 38.94 seconds for his competitors to best. Zoï Snels is not one to give up easily with Elton John (bred by A.Waldman, Putten; owned by Team Nijhof in Geesteren & Haras Cooper in Sao Paolo). The pair, that won the 1* 1.30m Grand Prix of Drachten earlier this month, cantered rapidly through the 1.40m course. In 36 seconds sharp, they crossed the finish, a time that would have secured the victory they had not knocked off one pole on the way. Jur Vrieling was the only rider that could still rain on the parade of Fire. Dakar VDL jumped with so much scope and impression the first round seemed effortless. Even when Jur Vrieling took the necessary risks in the jump-off, the Cardento-offspring of VDL Stud kept his heads cool. The stallion, bred by W.Abbring in Onnen, seemed even more eager and jumped supremely to the well-deserved victory in the VHO Trophy

Don Diablo HX winner Grand Prix

Only two stallions remained clear and earned a ticket to the jump-off. However, the thrilling jump-off proved that these two stallions are clearly well-matched.The recently recognized Chat Botte du Ruisseau Z (owned by Black Horse BV in Sliedrecht & J.Roex from Belgium) left a lasting impression. His reflexes, scope and winner’s mentality ensures his name will not easily be forgotten. The stallion demonstrated to possess all the talent for the highest level. Ridden by Johnny Pals, the Casall-son out of a Darco-dam gave a great performance as he placed second.

Michel Hendrix and Don Diablo HX were determined to take home the title this edition. The ten-year-old Vittorio-son, bred and owned by Hendrix Stables, easily took on the course. In order to procure the win, Michel picked up the pace in the jump-off. Cheered on by the audience, the two went all in and achieved their goal. 

Foto: Dirk Caremans