Irish riders and Dutch horses, it has often proven to be a golden match. That was the case once again today at the World Championships in Lanaken, where HHS Private Ryan claimed gold in the five-year-old division under Michael Pender.

The El Barone 111 Z son HHS Private Ryan (registered as Private Entrepreneur d’Or, out of La Vie d’Or PROK by High Shutterfly, breeder M. van der Velde in Almere) now follows in the footsteps of Orange de Baugy, the Dominator Z daughter who won last year’s title with Irish rider Niamh McEvoy.

Naturally Fast
Eighteen combinations advanced to the jump-off, including five KWPN horses. As the final starter, Michael Pender knew exactly what was required. “Private Ryan is naturally incredibly quick, clever, and competitive, but he doesn’t have much experience. I’ve only been riding him for about six weeks, so you don’t immediately dare to hope for a medal. But I did feel we had a chance, because he felt fantastic all week,” the rider commented. The silver medal went to Dutch rider Doron Kuipers with Olympic van ’t Roosakker, bred by Mark van Kleef, while Jason Foley secured bronze aboard Tysons Lady Lux (s.Tyson).

KWPN inspector Henk Dirksen and co-breeder Hellen Versteeg were on hand to toast the golden victory.

KWPN mediaguide

Results

Source: JS for KWPN
Photo: HHS Private Ryan – Micheal Pender - HippoFoto