The other final of the day took place in the €3,000 1.35m Medium Tour. The stands of the National Riding Hall were packed, and a large crowd of spectators was able to enjoy the exciting competition before the Hungarian Equestrian Federation’s Awards Gala.
A field of 58 riders had to jump twelve obstacles with one double and one treble awaited the riders on the preliminary course. Almost a quarter of the starters, 15 rider and horse duos qualified for the jump-off.
The competitors had to complete seven obstacles on the shortened course. The spectators witnessed an exciting contest as riders got increasingly faster. The first starter was Gyula Szuhai, Jnr. setting the bar high for the others with a quick and perfect round. However the second rider, Gerfried Puck from Austria, who had performed well at last year’s Olympics in Paris, was able to overtake him. Somewhat later, 74-year-old Vilmos Göttler proved even better and took the lead. Eventually, Henri Kovács, who lives and trains in Hungary but competes for Finland, left everybody behind.
Rodrigo Szuhai on Cornet finished second, while Kirsten Katarina Packova and Lychee Martini from Slovakia came third.
The following places were taken by Vilmos Göttler on Jégvirág, Gerfried Puck on Equitron Ornaat V, Jennifer Jaritz-Gnaser on Mama Mia Van Overis Z.
Dr. Dóra Juhász, member of the jury, Kristóf Szotyori Nagy, vice president of the Hungarian Equestrian Federation and president of the Jumping Division, and Rita Szokolai, representative of Imperial Horse Feeds, congratulated the riders.
The six- and seven-year-old horses competed in the 1.25 and 1.30m semi-finals.
In a field of 59 riders, Gábor Szabó Jnr. on Five Star Conference Z bred and owned by Ferenc Koncz, took the first place.
Silver went to the winners of the first round, Krisztián Búza and Apollon by Diamant de Semilly × Clinton.
Henri Kovács on Entre Nous Van ‘T Coseveld Z, sired by Emerald Van T Ruytershof, finished third. All three horses on the podium represented the seven-year-old age group.
Other placings: Natalie Kovarova (CZE) on Dasino Dw Z, Laura Dragicevic (CRO) on Cella Citty C Z, György Fekete on Nightrider.
The winners received also the special prizes from the producer and distributor of Imperial horse feed.
Photo: CSIO Budapest / Petronella Kovács
