After winning three selection competitions, Stargos VDL and Iris Hakvoort went on to claim the overall competition win in the M-class. And they did it in style: by seizing the day win. 

Nine stallions competed for the competition win and two participated for the day victory. Out of these eleven contenders, no less than eight cleared the 1.20m course to qualify for the jump-off. One of them was Stargos VDL (Stakkato Gold out of Estella by Conthargos, bred by W. Winkeler of Herzlake) of VDL Stud, thereby immediately securing the overall victory. Being the last combination to enter the jump-off they placed the cherry on top by clearing the shortened course in the fastest time. “This is incredible! It was exciting because I was so keen on a good result”, rider Iris Hakvoort of Wiefferink Stables responds. “We can are going home with two winners tonight, for Hessel Hoekstra and Night Life VDL won the L-class. The mission of Wiefferink Stables has been accomplished!”

Always second

The consistent, athletic and cooperative Mees van de Watermolen (Vannan out of Holinda ster by Carambole) of breeder Jan Greve jumped to the second place in the overall standings with Mart IJland. The last turn towards the finish proved to be a tricky one in the jump-off. Menno H (Stakkato Gold out of Toy H ster sport-spr pref by Baloubet du Rouet) of breeder Pieter van Hees of Uden could attest to that. Ridden by Joep van der Kampen the stallion jumped to the third position with lightning-fast reflexes and ample elasticity.

Photo Stargos VDL