The most prestigious event of the day, the CSI3*-W 155cm Olympic qualifier and World Cup Jumping Competition presented by the Hungarian Ministry of Defence, took place in front of a full house.
In the Table A class with a jump-off riders could collect Longines World Jumping Ranking points, qualify for the European Championships to be held in Milan this year, and for the 2024 Olympics. To be qualified, they had to complete a clear round on a course with 14 obstacles and three combinations within the allowed time.
MER was achieved also by several Hungarian pairs (Gábor Szabó, Jnr. – Mezőhegyes Chabala, Zoltán Czékus – Ricola, Ferenc Szentirmai, Jnr. – Quandro Blue PS,. Zoltán Lázár, Jnr. – Diablo, ifj. Kövy András -E-UP, Tamás Mráz – BN Silver, among others), but this did not mean that they made it to the jump-off in this competition. At the testing course the spectators at the National Riding Hall saw only seven clear rounds from 36 rides.
The first starter of the jump-off had to decide about tactics and Czech Nikola Bielikova chose a slower tempo to secure a clear. The following riders, Austrian Gerfried Puck, Hungarian Péter Szuhai and Ukrainian Alisa Danilova risked more and rushed with zero penalties. Surprisingly, one of the most successful riders of the field, Greek Angelos Touloupis, scored four points and could not make it to the podium.
The last runner-up, Abdullah Alsharbatly from Saudi Arabia, kept the spectators waiting as his horse, Kannabis Van De Bucxtale, lost two shoes in the first round. After the farrier in charge, Ferenc Botka, readjusted the missing shoes, the rider seemed to be the lucky one as he completed the course with the quickest clear. The celebration could not last long, however, as the jury disqualified the pair after a veterinary decision. The victory went to Austrian Gerfried Puck in the saddle of Equitron Melody Vd Smidshoeve.
Hungarian NLSF Program rider Péter Szuhai and Chacco’s Girlstar took the second place.
Ukraian Alisa Danilova on Cossinelle finished third.
The winning riders returned for the prize giving ceremony in the company of Hungarian Hussars. The winners were congratulated by Vilmos Lázár, President of the Hungarian Equestrian Federation, Gyula Budai, Member of Parliament, and Dervilla Cambell-Grieve on behalf of the International Jury. The unique prizes of Zsolnay Porcelain Manufacture were presented by Bachar Najari, owner of the manufactory.
The total prize money for the competition was €58,000.
The main sponsor of the event is Szerencsejáték Zrt.
Photo: CSIO Budapest / Krisztina Hajdu