World Cup: Daniel Deusser wins Oslo opener

The first success of the 2017/2018 Longines FEI World Cup this season went to Daniel Deusser. The German was in action in the first day of the European Division in Oslo with the 13-year-old gelding Cornet (Cornet Obolensky) and he won at the end of a jump-off involving 7 pairs: Frenchman Kevin Staut with For Joy van’T Zorgvliet, Australian Edwina Tops-Alexander with California, Swedish duo Peder Fredricson with H&M Christian K and Douglas Lindelow with Zacramento, and Irishman Bertram Allen riding Izzy and Mark McAuley on Miebello.
This season is a really special one for the World Cup circuit, celebrating its 40th edition and registering the return of the final in Paris 30 years after the last competition. At the moment the record of victories in the World Cup belongs to Germany and United States, with 10 successes each. The fight to clinch one of the 18 places to the coveted final available for the European division has just kicked off and one of the first steps towards it is the success of Deusser.
It was not a sparkling performance for the German, who ended the first round without errors and not an extraordinary time but still good enough to avoid penalties. On the other hand, Daniel Deusser competing with Cornet stood out in the jump-off, ending it in a time of 36.83, just ahead of second-placed French Kevin Staut with For Joy van’T Zorgvliet (36.96). Behind him Australian Edwina Tops-Alexander with 10-year KWPN California, who holds the track record in the qualifying round with a time of 66.14.
The best finish for the Azzurri was registered by Alberto Zorzi who won his first race in the World Cup one year ago. This time he finished 9th at Oslo on Fair Light van’T Heike (4 penalties), entering anyhow the top ten.
The best Equestrian World in Oslo was the World Cup debut of Italian Ottava Meraviglia of Cà San Giorgio (For Pleasure) ridden by Paolo Paini. The first 8 penalties collected by the Azzurri couple in the first round blocked them the access to the jump-off. However, it was a good challenge on a first-class field such as the FEI World Cup.
Another Italian duo involved was that of Lorenzo De Luca in action with Halifax het Kluizebos. Unfortunately they had to abandon the race, finishing in the 35th position.
There are 12 more stop offs all over Europe awaiting our show jumping superheroes. Next week we will be in Helsinki, Finland, for a new date with the World Cup.