In the two phase class over 1.40m Guido Franchi steered Mistique (b. Aganix du Seigneur) round in the fastest time. Bertram Allen was hot on the Italian riders heels and earned not just the second place on the current leader board but also the third.
93 of the 191 jumpers cleared the first phase of the course of which 73 combinations jumped a double clear in the impressive main arena of the event in Lanaken. Clearing the finish line in 26,45 seconds KWPN-stallion Mistique, bred by late Wim van der Leegte, kept Allen and BWP-mare Raffaella (b. Kaiser van het Lambroeck, breeder Marie Bernaerts) at bay with just 0.05 seconds less on the chronometer.
Allen showed that the Irish are a force to be reckoned with during the World Championships by also claiming the third place in the current standings with Selle Francais-stallion Huricane de Chamloue (b. Windows vh Costersveld. breeder Jean-Marie Charlot). Just 0,01 seconds made the difference between the Irishmans horses.
Fellow countrymen Jason Foley and Michael Pender setteld their horses in 4th and 5th position. Foley, who is always a serious medal contender in Lanaken, rode KWPN-stallion Mendoza VDL (b. Harley VDL) who already left his mark as a 5yo in Lanaken, placing 1st in the first qualifier back in 2022.
Michael Pender rounds up the top five with HHS Mercedes (b. Can Ya Makan). Before Pender took over the reins, the Irish bred mare was produced and succesfull in the youngster classes with Molly Hughes Bravo who’s family also bred the horse.
Photo credits: Zangersheide-Sportfot
