The Hors La Loi II-son Hotspot ridden by Mathijs van Asten triumphed in the VHO Trophy tonight. The chestnut stallion was at the top of his form in the combined class over 1.40m/1.50m height. 

Ten combinations contended for the VHO Trophy tonight, all in pursuit of the lion’s share of the €6.000 prize money. Six six combinations qualified for the jump-off, including Mathijs van Asten and Hotspot (out of Hermione de la Pomme by Nabab de Reve, breeder family Dingen of Lieshout). After a solid round in the 1.50m course, the pair also cleared the jump-off in a fast time. Only Bas Moerings and Ipsthar (Denzel van ‘t Meulenhof out of Vestha stb prestatie by Farmer, bred by Jo Moerings of Oud Gastel) could beat that time, but they incurred 4 penalties which demoted them to the sixth position. 

Fantastic atmosphere

“I am super happy”, Mathijs enthuses afterwards. “I think Hotspot would suit the major shows and I am pleased we have been able to display his talent tonight. Due to a colic surgery he was out of the public eye for a while, but in a few weeks we have scheduled a 4* competition for him. The VHO Trophy is makes for a great preparation as it is a well-organised competion with a fantastic atmosphere.”

Top 3

Hermantico (Comme Il Faut out of Chiquitita by Colbert GTI, breeder M. Renzel of Oer-Erkenschwik) jumped to the runner-up position with Henk van de Poel. The pair competed at 1.40m height. They placed ahead of new combination Doron Kuipers and I Am Codex (Codex One out of Capitola Z by Calvaro Z, breeder Tinus van de Bruggen of Goirle) that performed two clear 1.50m rounds. 

Photo: Dirk Caremans