He was the only stallion to leave every jump intact during the selection competitions and he continued to do so in the final. And thus it was evident: the competition title could be awarded to Night Life VDL. The day win was claimed by No Jokes ACM. 

The entry list for the final of the Blom Stallion Competition in the L0class featured a total of thirteen stallions, twelve of which contended for the title. No Jokes ACM (Untouchable out of Florentina elite sport-spr D-OC by Tangelo van de Zuuthoeve, co-breeder Amber Hage of Hoogerheid) of breeder Casper Meegdes and co-owner Annemieke van der Horst could only compete for the day victory since the combination had not participated in all the selection rounds. Their quick and clear result ensured them the win in a 10-headed jump-off. “We skipped the first leg of the stallion competition because it took place the day after the final exam of the performance test. It was unclear back then that this would have consequences for the final but luckily, we could grab the limelight with this day victory”, the rider responds. 

Well-deserved victory for Night Life VDL

The greatest honours were reserved for the competition winner Night Life VDL (Erco van ‘t Roosakker out of Ialba VDL elite IBOP-spr PROK by Arezzo VDL) of breeder VDL Stud, that kept a clean slate once again in the hands of Hessel Hoekstra. The pair was 0.08 seconds slower in the jump-off than No Jokes ACM, however the title win had long been secured. “Night Life VDL is an amazing horse. This was the first time I rode him a little faster and he handled that very well. We have great expectations of him for the future!”, Hessel Hoekstra enthuses. Suzanne Tepper finished second in the competition aboard her own Nyrocco (Zirocco Blue VDL out of Ghodorette-W stb-ext D-OC by Cardento, bred by P. Wolters of Broeksterwald), that she owns together with her partner Jur Vrieling. The grey stallion knocked only one rail down in the entire competition, thereby putting his qualities on display. The third place in the competition was taken by Nouri W VDL (Cohinoor VDL out of Cuba Libre W Z elite IBOP-spr D-OC by Carrera VDL, breeder K.J. van Weperen of Oosterwolde). Ridden by Cristel Kalf he showcased his great canter and powerful push-off. 

Photo Night Life VDL – Dirk Caremans