Dreher wins World Cup leg on home turf

Hans-Dieter Dreher has won the ninth leg of the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping series at Leipzig, Germany (18 January).

Superb clear

Competing on home turf, Hans-Dieter was last to go in the five-way jump-off, producing a superb clear in a fast time with Embassy ll.

First in wasH&C’s favourite Italian showjumper Luca Moneta who jumped clear with Connery in a time of 38.40sec. This was quickly bettered by Norway’s Geir Gulliksen and Edesa S Banjan who broke the beam on 37.72sec.

Germany’s Felix Hassmann (Horse Gym’s Balzaci) and Sweden’s Douglas Lindelow (Casello) both had a pole down. This meant it was down to Hans-Dieter to secure a German victory.

Big heart

The 14-year-old stallion was on fantastic form, helped along with the enthusiastic crowd, to finish on 36.07sec and win the class.

“I didn’t have much luck in last year’s qualifier in Leipzig,” said Hans-Dieter. “I was riding well but didn’t win, but today I had some good luck to help me along the way! I love this horse – he has such a big heart.”

The next leg takes place in Zurich, Switzerland on Sunday 25 January.