Hamburg, Germany – May 5, 2016 – Pius Schwizer (SUI) and the 10 year old bay gelding Leonard de la Ferme CH looked on stunning form this morning after a convincing win in the first CSI5* 1.50m speed class of the day. Ahead of the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Hamburg this coming Saturday, many of the world’s best horse and rider combinations took to the expansive grass arena with the level of competition high as riders from across the globe competed for bragging rights.
LGCT/Stefano Grasso
Local rider, Hans-Dieter Dreher (GER) was just pipped to the post by the Swiss rider, after delivering a sensational round with top horse Cool and Easy. He finished in second, just five tenths of a second behind the leader and the local crowd cheered as he picked up his rosette. It was a strong German showing, as compatriot Felix Hassmann (GER) and Cayenne WZ claimed the third spot, just fourth tenths behind his fellow home rider.
Indeed, the battle at the sharp end of the grid was close, with Olivier Philippaerts (BEL) and Gitania v.G finishing fourth and just a further tenth of a second away from third. Marcus Ehning (GER) showed his return to form on the Tour with top horse Cristy, coming in fifth to the delight of the crowd, after leading for much of the class. Bertram Allen (IRL) and Belmonde, Niklas Krieg (GER) with Ayers Rock 19, Nicola Philippaerts (BEL) with H&M Quenzo de la Roque, Patrick Stühlmeyer (GER) with Lacan 2 and John Whitaker (GBR) with Echo Of Light rounded out the top ten, after strong performances.
With over 80,000 spectators expected at the prestigious German show, and more than 500 horses on site over the weekend, the Longines Global Champions Tour of Hamburg is set to be a magical affair. Keep up to date with all the news and information via our social media channels, and tune in to GCT TV to watch all the action live!