In the 7-year-olds, 192 combinations competed in the 1.40m class against the clock. In this, 60 pairs finished with a clean sheet, of which Diarona PS and Ruben Arroyave convincingly clocked the fastest time. The mare bred by Gestut Lewitz by Diaron out of a Charity dam was the only one to clock a time under 66 seconds (65.58) keeping the number two at 1.5 seconds distance thanks to the steering skills of her Colombian rider.

For Germany, Katrin Eckermann signed up for second place in 67.10 seconds with Viva Fly NRW. Katrin's father Otmar bred the Westphalian mare himself out of Vivant van de Heffinck and a Starpower dam, whom Katrin also previously competed with internationally.

Third place went to Eckermann's fellow countryman Leonie Böckmann who saddled Flo Jo 4 for this qualifier. The duo took just 0.27 seconds longer to complete their round than the runner-up. The Oldenburg mare Flo Jo was also bred by it's rider's family. Böckmann Pferde GMBH paired stallion Fire and Ice J with Lordanos mare No Father's Girl, who herself was active in show jumping at the highest level with Leonie's father Gilbert.

The best Irish combination landed in place four. David Simpson sent Mambo No. 5 B round in 67.99. The KWPN stallion comes from the breeding of W. Breukink and has Naples listed as his sire and Quidam de Revel as his dam's sire. Rounding out the top five was Britain's Laura Mantel with Chachoons Gisa Blue Z (by Chaccoon Blue x Grossadmiral).

Photo credit: Zangersheide-Sportfot