World Championship for Single Horses in Munich: Mario Gandolfo wins marathon, Larissa Jansma and Eline Houterman second and third

Obstacle 2 featured a significant slope, while obstacle 5 – the water obstacle with sprinklers – was particularly demanding because of its undulating terrain and narrow passages along the edge of the trees, which became very slippery later in the day. Two drivers were eliminated, coincidentally in these two obstacles.

Strong start for the Dutch

Marathon specialist Berry van den Bosch was the first Dutch driver to start in the morning session. He drove a strong, fault-free marathon (88.17), setting top times in obstacles 3 and 6.

TeamNL driver Eline Houterman’s task was to produce the best possible marathon score for the team competition – and she did exactly that. For a long time, she held the fastest time in four of the seven obstacles, with Fino receiving an encouraging pat on his hindquarters between the obstacles. Unfortunately, her time in the final obstacle was not quite as fast, leaving her narrowly behind Switzerland’s Mario Gandolfo in the marathon on 81.60 penalties. Mario was faster in two obstacles and finished on 81.28 penalties. The two were extremely evenly matched, but the Netherlands had some ground to make up on Switzerland in the team competition.

Individual competitor Kim de Groot also produced a fantastic marathon (84.14) with the chestnut mare Nareska. Nareska showed tremendous power and, in the difficult water obstacle, which was becoming increasingly slippery, Kim demonstrated some impressive driving. A top time in the final obstacle, number 7, underlined just how much power and stamina this KWPN horse possesses.

Larissa Jansma surpasses them all

After midday, another group of team drivers took to the course. Larissa Jansma, the second TeamNL driver to start, took over the fastest time in obstacle 2, where Eline had remained the quickest for a long time.

In obstacle 5, the water obstacle, Larissa chose a slightly different turn, allowing her to avoid one of the narrow passages along the tree line. Although Dandy Jane is now 18 years old, she remains exceptionally fit and strong. Larissa also set top times in the final two obstacles and finished between Mario Gandolfo and Eline Houterman to take second place in the marathon!

Individual competitors Xander Tuitjer (98.46), Saskia Siebers (97.84) and Wilbrord van den Broek (99.66) encountered difficulties in several of Michael Mayer’s obstacles. All three, however, completed the course neatly and safely.

Exciting battle in the final group of team drivers

The final group of team drivers began with dressage winner Stefan Ulrich. He limited the damage in the marathon and produced Switzerland’s second team score with 86.68 penalties.

Dressage medallist Cindy Benschop also had a difficult marathon (91.83). In obstacle 2, she became stuck at a gate, costing her a considerable amount of time. Liberty became somewhat hot in obstacle 3, but from obstacle 4 onwards they found their rhythm and the marathon began to flow increasingly well.

Stefan Ulrich retains the lead, Cindy Benschop third

The provisional standings after two phases are dominated by Switzerland, with Stefan Ulrich still leading on 122.80 penalties. He has a comfortable advantage of more than two balls and a little time over his compatriot Mario Gandolfo, who is second on 128.93.

Despite the unfortunate incident in obstacle 2, which cost Cindy Benschop considerable time and penalties, she remains third overall on 130.68 penalties. Larissa Jansma has made a significant climb up the standings and is now sixth on 133.94, keeping her within reach of the podium.

Provisional top three and Dutch and Belgian standings

1. Stefan Ulrich (SUI)

2. Mario Gandolfo (SUI)

3. Cindy Benschop (NED)

4. Larissa Jansma (NED)

5. Laure Philippot (BEL)

6. Wilbrord van den Broek (NED)

7. Kim de Groot (NED)

8. Eline Houterman (NED)

9. Lisby Bastin (BEL)

10. Saskia Siebers (NED)

11. Xander Tuitjer (NED)

12. Pieter-Jan Brynaert (BEL)

13. Berry van den Bosch (NED)

14. Christophe Feremans (BEL)

Switzerland on course for gold

After two phases, Switzerland leads the team competition with three drivers near the top of the standings. Tomorrow’s cones competition promises to be particularly exciting for the teams.

The Netherlands won today’s marathon thanks to the excellent results of Eline Houterman and Larissa Jansma, but tomorrow the Dutch team will need to make up more than seven penalties on Switzerland if they are to become World Champions. France currently sits third, nine penalties behind the Netherlands.

Tonight, the marathon prize-giving ceremony will take place, with Larissa and Eline able to celebrate their outstanding performances and valuable contribution to the Dutch team. Afterwards, the competitors will enjoy a party in the Gala tent.

Tomorrow, the first driver will start Michael Mayer’s cones course at 9:00 a.m. After a long and undoubtedly exciting day, we will know which driver and which nation can call themselves World Champions!

Click here for all of today’s marathon results, the provisional standings and tomorrow’s starting list.

Source: Hoefnet. Reproduction without permission via info@hoefnet.nl is not permitted.
Photo: Marleen van Straaten