Jur Vrieling triumph in Helsinki
Netherlands’ Jur Vrieling riding VDL Glasgow v. Merelsnest (Nabab de Reve) won the second leg of Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Western European League in Helsinki.
The 48-year-old rider was strongest in the challenging course with time 36.85 and surprised not only the audience but himself as well. This was his second win in the World Cup and he admitted to the journalists that he was a bit surprised because he didn’t really expected to be first. Vrieling gave great credit for the win to his horse Glasgow, who proved to have a super mentality and he considered to be the best horse he had ever had in his career.Second place was Sweden’s Henrik von Eckermann riding Mary Lou (Montendro) with 38.41 seconds. Modolo Zanotelli from Brazil took the third place on top of KWPN Celena VDL (Mr.Blue).Robert Whitaker with Holsteiner Catwalk IV (Colman) remained off the podium with one second delay from Zanotelli.The Italian pair made up of Paolo Paini and Ottava Meraviglia di Cà San Giorgio (For Pleasure) ended 34th with 12 penalties, which is however an encouraging achievement to gain confidence in view of the next competitions.After the Helsinki qualifier, the overall standing has changed a bit. Vrieling got 20 points and tied with former leader Daniel Deusser, who dropped behind to the second place. The first spot was earned by France’s Kevin Staut with 24 points.Fourth place was Robert Whitaker with 18 points followed by Sweden Henrik von Eckermann who gained ground in the standings thanks to his second spot in Helsinki. Edwina Tops-Alexander and Marlon Modolo Zanotelli shared sixth place with 15 points, followed by Peder Fredricson (8th place) and Christian Rhomberg (9th). Last of the top ten, Sweden’s Douglas Lindelow tied with Germany’s Felix Hassmann.The next qualifier is due in Verona next week. It is the most expected date by the Italian fans, who hope to see the triumph of one of their home riders in the Longines FEI World Cup.foto: Jur Vrieling – VDL Glasgow v. Merelsnest NED 22.10.2017Photo FEI/Satu Pirinen(MC)
