Henrik von Eckermann and Mary Lou. PC: Stefan Lafrentz/FEI
Henrik von Eckermann brought the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping 2017 Western European League to a fairytale finish on home ground in Gothenburg (SWE) today when snatching victory with a breath-taking performance from the 11-year-old mare, Mary Lou.
With so many top riders chasing last-minute qualifying points for the Longines Final in Omaha, Nebraska (USA) in four weeks’ time it was always going to be a mighty battle, and the long trip north proved worthwhile for Dutchmen Maikel van der Vleuten (28) and Leopold Van Asten (40) whose second and third-place finishes have booked their tickets.
Von Eckermann’s chances were possibly obvious, because he had already earned the Leading Rider of the Show award before today’s competition began at the famous Scandinavium Arena.
“It’s been a crazy week, my worst placing was third and I had three second places and three wins – will I ever have a show like this again?!” said the delighted 35-year-old this evening.
From 33 starters there were 12 into the jump-off over Peter Lundstrom’s track, and it was Frenchman, Olivier Robert, who set the standard with Quenelle du Py when clear in 38.52 seconds. Britain’s Robert Smith and Bavi came close to that when breaking the beam in 38.60 for eventual fifth place, but Van der Vleuten really raised the stakes when posting 36.83 with his veteran campaigner VDL Groep Verdi before Van Asten and VDL Groep Zidane crossed the line in 38.06 to slot in behind.
Second-last to go, Von Eckermann knew he had to take all the chances, and the crowd nearly raised the roof when he took a risky gallop to the last to cross the line in 36.76 seconds and take the lead. He wasn’t quite sure he’d done enough because French speed ace, Simon Delestre, was last to go, but when the fourth fence fell it was Swedish party-time.
“This is a very emotional win!” said Von Eckermann who worked with German legend, Ludger Beerbaum, for many years before going it alone in a new yard in Bonn (GER) last September. He wasn’t certain that his mare was ready, but when he put her under pressure for the very first time today she willingly gave it her all.
“She’s still quite green and I can’t take risks on turns with her yet, but however impossible it seems she always does her best to get across the fences and I’m very grateful to her owner, Karl Schneider, who has kept her for me because she’s something special!” he said.
FEI World Cup Qualifier – Gothenburg Result:
1, Mary Lou (Henrik von Eckermann) SWE 0/0 36.76;
2, VDL Groep Verdi TN NOP (Maikel van der Vleuten) NED 0/0 36.83;
3, VDL Groep Zidane NOP (Leopold van Asten) NED 0/0 38.06;
4, Quenelle du Py (Olivier Robert) FRA 0/0 38.52;
5, Bavi (Robert Smith) GBR 0/0 38.60;
6. BSC Skipper (Holger Wulschner) GER 0/0 41.03;
7, Chesall Zimequest (Simon Delestre) FRA 0/4 37.63;
8, Colorit (Christian Ahlmann) GER 0/4 37.96;
9, Pikeur Dylon (Markus Brinkmann) GER 0/4 40.20;
10, Skjerabergs Larkin (Pal Flam) NOR 0/4 40.32;
11, All Star 5 (Denis Lynch) IRL 0/4 40.48;
12, Bonzai H (Helena Persson) SWE 0/4 40.69.
Full result here
Standings: Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping 2016/2017 Western European League
After Round 13 in Gothenburg SWE:
1. Kevin Staut FRA – 78
2. Lorenzo de Luca ITA – 67
3. Denis Lynch IRL – 64
4. Henrik von Eckermann SWE – 59
5. Ludger Beerbaum GER – 56
6. Steve Guerdat SUI – 47
7. Guido Klatte Jun. GER – 47
8. Gregory Wathelet BEL – 45
9. Leopold van Asten NED – 44
10. Simon Delestre FRA – 44
11. Romain Duguet SUI – 43
12. Carlos Enrique Lopez Lizarazo COL – 43
13. Holger Wulschner GER – 42
14. Marcus Ehning GER – 41
15. Max Kuhner AUT – 41
16. Sergio Alvarez Moya ESP – 40
17. Nicola Philippaerts BEL – 39
18. Olivier Robert FRA – 39
19. Markus Brinkmann GER – 39
20. Maikel van der Vleuten NED – 38
21. Martin Fuchs SUI – 38